TN STATUS
For Canadian and Mexican Citizens Only
The TN classification was created as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to facilitate the entry of Canadians and Mexicans to the U.S. to engage in professional activities. Only certain occupations qualify. A list of these may be reviewed on http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1274.html#15.
NOTE: Effective October 16, 2008 a USCIS final rule extended the period of initial admission and extension of stay that can be requested by a TN nonimmigrant under NAFTA to three years. Prior to this rule change, the maximum period of admission or extension of stay was one year at a time.
Admission of Canadians differs from that of Mexicans. To be eligible, Canadians must show evidence of nationality, at least a B.A. or a B.S. in the field or profession (included on the professional job series NAFTA list) a job offer from an employer in the U.S. The procedure for admission of Mexican citizens to the U.S. in TN status can be found at
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1274.html#5
Dependents of TN holders are given TD status. These dependents may attend school in the U.S. but may not accept employment.
Contact OIA advisors Teresa Keller at teresa.keller@uky.edu or Maria Tovar at maria.tovar@uky.edu for assistance with a TN application.
NOTE: There are other non-immigrant visas that permit non-immigrants to work in the United States, but these are rarely suitable for university appointments.