TN status allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to enter the US to engage in certain professional activities on a temporary basis. Occupations listed in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Chapter 16 Appendix 2 may qualify for TN status.
The most common TN-eligible positions at Notre Dame are Research Assistant and Scientific Technician; TN occupation titles do not directly correlate to Notre Dame position titles.
TN employees may be admitted for temporary employment up to a maximum of 3 years. There is no limit to the number of renewals. Renewals can be requested for up to a maximum of 3 years each time.
Though Canadian and Mexican citizens are both eligible to apply for the TN status, there are differences in how they can obtain the status.
Start the process with ISSA 1 month in advance of the requested TN start date.
| Canadians | Mexicans | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Stamp Requirement | Does not need a visa stamp in passport; presents supporting documentation at US port of entry | Requires a visa stamp in passport; applies at US embassy or consulate; presents supporting documentation at appointment and US port of entry |
| Documentation |
|
|
| Fees | $56 border fee (paid at port of entry) | DS-160 visa application fee (paid before visa appointment) |
TN Instructions for Departments
After completing ISSA’s Immigration Request Form (IRF), the academic unit receives an email that confirms the TN recommendation and outlines next steps, including the following:
Hiring Packet
When the academic unit has decided to proceed with the recommended TN visa type, they will reach out to the Office of the Provost or Office for Postdoctoral Affairs to complete the hiring packet and issue the appointment letter.
Draft and Issue TN Invitation Letter
Once the appointment letter has been signed by the employee, send a copy to ISSA’s Employment Immigration Manager, Erin Clark (eclark32@nd.edu). Erin will provide a template TN Invitation Letter. Once received, prepare the TN Invitation Letter. Once your draft TN Invitation Letter is approved by ISSA, provide a copy to the employee.
Canadian Citizens-Present at US Port of Entry
The employee will present their passport, the appointment letter, the TN Invitation Letter, and their payment at the U.S. Port of Entry; they may need to confirm in advance that the appropriate Custom and Border Protection officer will be available to process their TN.
Mexican Citizens-Schedule Visa Interview Appointment and Enter with TN Visa Stamp
The employee will present their passport, appointment letter, TN Invitation Letter, and their receipt of payment at the US Consulate; once they have the TN Visa Stamp in their passport, they can present at the US port of entry with the same documents.
Note: If the current or prospective TN employee is already in the US in another immigration status and does not have the ability to travel outside of the US, filing a change of status petition for TN status with USCIS is an option but not recommended due to cost and additional processing time.
ARRIVAL
TN employees may enter the US up to 10 days prior to the start date listed on the TN Invitation Letter.
CHECK-IN WITH ISSA
Upon arrival on campus for their Notre Dame appointment, the TN employee should complete ISSA’s International Employee Check-In form here.
Employment Changes
VISA RESTRICTIONS
TN status/employment authorization is “position specific”, which means that it is for the position detailed in the TN invitation letter and/or TN application. Any changes in employment status—such as new job duties, a new job title, a new job location (working remotely/telecommuting from another city), or a transfer to another department/unit —require the prior review of ISSA. A new TN application or travel may be required.
CHANGING EMPLOYERS
TN approval is “employer specific,” which means that if the TN employee changes employers, the new employer must prepare and file an entirely new TN application. Alternately, the TN employee can depart the US and apply for a new period of TN status with the new employer’s TN invitation letter.
END OF EMPLOYMENT
The academic unit must submit the Report H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1 End of Employment form in ISSAlink prior to the TN employee’s last date of employment. There is no grace period following the end of TN employment; employees are expected to file for a change of status prior to their last day of employment, or to depart the US.
EXTENSION OF STAY
It is the academic unit’s responsibility to contact ISSA’s Employment Immigration Manager, Erin Clark (eclark32@nd.edu), with a request to extend the employee’s TN status. ISSA should be contacted 3-6 months in advance of the TN status end date.
Special Notes for TN Status
Dependents
The spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) of the TN status holder are eligible for TD (Trade NAFTA Dependent) status. Unlike TN status, TD status is not limited to citizens of Canada and Mexico. TD dependents may study in the US, but are not eligible to work in the US.