TN Visa Application Process
Where to Apply for NAFTA TN Visa Status
1. Canadian Citizens outside U.S. Must Apply in Person at Border or Authorized Airports:
A citizen of Canada physically outside the U.S. generally has three options on where to file an application for TN visa status:
a. At a U.S. Class A port-of-entry (“POE”);
b. At a U.S. pre-clearance / pre-flight station (“PFI”); or
c. Atan International U.S. Airport (arrivals only).
Canadian Citizens physically outside the U.S. cannot file for TN visa status by mail using an I-129 petition. Filing an I-129 petition by mail is only available for individuals physically present in the U.S. under authorized immigration status. For those outside the U.S., the application must be made in person at one of the designated areas listed above.
If an individual plans to submit his or her TN application at an airport, that person must apply the same day as his flight. Depending on the particular rules of the port-of-entry, an individual who applies for a TN at a land POE may travel back and forth freely into Canada and the U.S. the same day after approval of the TN. Each POE has its own rule on this issue.
Additionally, how far in advance of the start date an individual may file for a TN is often left open to the discretion of the inspecting officer. It may be prudent to contact the POE in advance to determine any POE specific rules.
2. Added Step for Citizens of Mexico.
Before applying for admission to the U.S. at one of the designated areas listed above, a citizen of Mexico must first file for a TN visa stamp at a U.S. consulate.
For more on this process see: Processing NAFTA TN Visas for Mexican Citizens.
Additional Materials:
- Where to File TN Visa Chart - A comparison of procedures and issues for Port-of-Entry, Pre-Flight Inspection, and USCIS Service Center TN applications.
References:
Revised Oct. 1, 2008.