TN Visa Status Filing Options
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U.S. Consulate / Embassy |
Port-of-Entry |
Pre-Flight Inspection |
USCIS Service Center |
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| Type of Application Accepted: | Initial TN visa stamp application for Citizens of Mexico. May also file for TN “Renewals”, “Change Status”, Change Employer. |
Initial TN visa status application for Citizens of Canada. May also file for TN “Renewals”, “Change Status”, Change Employer. |
Initial TN visa status application for Citizens of Canada. May also file for TN “Renewals”, “Change Status”, Change Employer. |
For Citizens of Mexico & Canada with authorized status in U.S. may file for TN Change Status, Extension Status, Change Employer. |
| Where to File: | U.S. Consulate / Embassy. | U.S. port-of-entries. | U.S. pre-flight inspection offices. | Vermont Service Center (as of 3-2011). |
| What to file: | Basic application documents (e.g. employer letter, passport, credentials) plus DS-160. | Basic application documents. | Basic application documents. | Basic application documents plus I-129 and proof of authorized status, and maintenance of status. |
| Interview Required: | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Processing Time & Filing Fees: | See DOS website for processing info. NIV fee of $140.00. | Same day. I-94 fee of $56. | Same day. I-94 fee of $50. | Varies: estimated 2-6 months. I-129 fee of $325. May premium process for $1,225 (decision in 15 calendar days). |
| Travel Issues: | Must file from outside U.S. and attend interview at U.S. Consulate / Embassy. Must then seek admission at U.S. port-of-entry. |
Must file from outside U.S. and attend interview at U.S. port-of-entry. |
Must file from outside U.S., attend interview at U.S. pre-flight inspection office, and board aircraft. | No travel requirement. If depart when Change of Status petition pending, COS deemed abandoned. If depart when Extension of Status petition pending, and I-94 expires, cannot re-enter until new TN approved. |
| Approval Document Issued: | TN visa stamp. Valid up to 1 yr. TN visa stamp permits seeking admission to U.S. Multiple entries. |
I-94 card. Valid up to 3 yrs. I-94 permits multiple entry and work authorization in U.S. |
I-94 card. Valid up to 3 yrs. I-94 permits multiple entry and work authorization in U.S. |
I-797 with I-94 card. Valid up to 3 yrs. I-797 with I-94 allows work authorization. Permits re-entry. |
| Start dates & change of Employer: | May commence work immediately upon issuance of TN visa stamp and admission to U.S. with I-94. | May commence work immediately upon admission to U.S. with I-94. | May commence work immediately upon admission to U.S. with I-94. | Unlike H-1B visa, no portability. Cannot start work until petition approved. May have to premium process to avoid delay of start date. |