TN Visa Application Process

Entry Documents & Proof of Citizenship

A Canadian or Mexican citizen submitting an application for admission at a port-of-entry, airport or preflight station as a TN professional must present valid entry documents and proof of citizenship. Canadian citizens are visa exempt (with the exception of the E visa category) and do not need a visa stamp for entry to the U.S. under TN status. Mexican citizens must first obtain a TN visa stamp prior to seeking admission to the U.S. as a TN professional.

1. NAFTA TN Visa Application at Land or Sea Ports-Of-Entry

• Canadian citizens entering the United States at land or sea ports-of-entry do not need to present a valid passport for admission yet (unless traveling from outside the Western hemisphere). However,they still must establish Canadian citizenship.

• Instead of a passport, alternative evidence of Canadian citizenship may include a birth certificate and/or Canadian Citizenship Card. If an applicant only possesses a birth certificate, he or she may still be admitted with photo I.D. such as a license. Also note that at land or sea ports-of-entry an expired passport is sufficient evidence to establish Canadian citizenship, but an admission stamp will not be placed in an expired passport.

• As part of the second phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative ("WHTI"), the DHS and DOS have proposed a rule that would require Canadian citizens to present a valid passport, Trusted Traveler Card such as Nexus, or an Enhanced Driver's Licensein order to enter the U.S. at land border ports-of-entry and certain types of arrivals by sea.This new rule goes into effect on June 1, 2009. For more details visit U.S. CBP's WHTI website.

• Entry document requirements for Mexican citizens are not effected by the WHTI rules. Mexican citizens generally must present a valid passport and visa stamp for entry to the U.S.

2. NAFTA TN Application at Air Ports-Of-Entry

• As part of the first phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, startingJanuary 23, 2007, Canadian citizens entering the United States from within the Western Hemisphere at air ports-of-entry must now present a valid passport.

References:

• DHS & DOS - Final Passport Rule - Air Travel (11-24-2006).
• DHS & DOS - Final Passport Rule - Land & Sea Travel (04-03-2008).
• U.S. CBP - WHTI Website.

Revised Dec. 11, 2008.