University of California, Santa Barbara

Office of International Students & Scholars - Santa Barbara, CA 93106-7150 Telephone (805) 893-2929 Fax (805) 893-7132


TN N-American Free Trade



TN NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREETMENT

The TN status permits employment for citizens of Canada and Mexico who hold a university level degree in certain designated fields. The application process for the TN visa status differs for citizens of Canada and Mexico.

Canadian Citizen TN

  • The individual initiates the request with a letter from UCSB that offers employment, proof of degree and Canadian citizenship.
  • The documents should be submitted at the Canadian/U.S. border entry point 3 days in advance of planned entry into the U.S.
  • The individual may be employed only with specified employer (in this case UCSB) and only in TN specified professional area.
  • The individual can remain in the TN status indefinitely but needs to extend their stay every 12 months.
  • There is no obligation to return to home country.

Instructions for Canadian TN Application Process

Instructions for TN Extension for Canadian National

Mexican Citizen TN

  • The individual initiates the request with a letter from UCSB that offers employment, proof of degree and Mexican citizenship at a U.S. Consulate in Mexico.
  • The TN visa processing time varies, check with the Consulate.
  • The individual can remain in the TN status indefinitely but needs to extend their stay every 12 months.
  • There is no obligation to return to home country.
  • TN - Mexico may be employed only with specified employer, and only in TN specified professional area

Instructions for Mexican TN Application & Extension Process

TN Dependents

  • TN dependents are eligible for the TD visa status.
  • TD visa holders are not allowed to work.