TN Visa Basics
Training, School, and Part-Time Work under TN Visa Status
1. Training:
- A TN Professional may perform training functions, including conducting seminars, relating to any of the occupations listed under the NAFTA regulations. 8 C.F.R. § 214.6 (c) n.1; NAFTA Handbook, Section 5, INS Manuals 47 (Nov. 1999).
- Any training must be conducted in the manner of prearranged activities performed for an U.S. entity and the subject matter presented must be at a professional level. The training function does not allow for the entry of a TN Professional to conduct seminars that do not constitute the performance of prearranged activities for an U.S. entity. NAFTA Handbook, Section 5, INS Manuals 47 (Nov. 1999).
2. Attending School:
- A TN professional may attend school provided it is incidental to his or her occupation: “If a Canadian or Mexican national has been already admitted to the United States in a work-related nonimmigrant classification pursuant to NAFTA, it is permissible for them to attend school incidental to their NAFTA-based classification…” 67 FR 54941, 54944 (Aug. 27, 2002).
- Attending school must not be the primary purpose for remaining in the U.S. See J.A. Bednarz, Chief, Nonimmigrant Branch Adjudications, Letter to J.I. Perez (Jan. 5, 1995) (discussing H-1B visa and attending classes).
3. Working Part-Time:
- A Canadian citizen entering the U.S. in non-immigrant TN status may also be employed on a part-time basis. 9 FAM § 41.59 N11.
4. Related Blog Articles:
Revised April 4, 2009.