The TN status allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to enter the U.S. to engage in certain professional activities on a temporary basis. Eligible occupations listed in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Chapter 16 Appendix 2 may qualify for TN status.
The most common positions at Notre Dame are Research Assistant and Scientific Technician; the TN professional 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.
| Canadians | Mexicans | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Stamp Requirement | does not need a visa stamp in passport; presents supporting documentation at U.S. port of entry | needs a visa stamp in passport; applies at U.S. embassy or consulate; presents supporting documentation at appointment and U.S. port of entry |
| Documentation |
|
|
| Fees | $56 border fee (paid at port of entry) | DS-160 visa application fee (paid before visa appointment) |
The TN employee should plan to enter the U.S. no more than 10 days prior to the employment start date indicated in the employer’s letter. They will not be admitted if they arrive earlier.
TN Instructions for Departments
After completing the ISSA Immigration Request Form (IRF), the academic unit receives an email that confirms the TN recommendation and outlines next steps for initiating the TN petition, 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.
Issue TN Invitation Letter
Once the appointment letter has been signed by the scholar, complete the TN Invitation Letter (in ISSA Resources Drive) and provide a copy to the employee.
Present at U.S. Port of Entry - Canadian citizens
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.
Schedule a Visa Appointment and Enter with TN Visa Stamp - Mexican citizens
The employee will present the passport, appointment letter, TN Invitation Letter, and their receipt of payment at the U.S. Consulate; once they have the TN Visa Stamp in their passport, they can present at the U.S. Port of Entry with the same documents.
If the current or prospective employee/faculty member is already in the U.S. in another immigration status and does not have the ability to travel outside of the U.S. filing a change of status petition for TN status with USCIS is an option but not recommended.
Dependents
The spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) of the TN status holder are eligible for TD (Trade NAFTA Dependent) dependent status. Unlike TN status, TD status is not limited to citizens of Canada and Mexico. TD dependents may study in the U.S., but are not eligible to work in the U.S.