TN Employees

There are two pathways for obtaining or extending TN status.

Processing from Outside the US

All prospective TN employees require a letter from their hiring department that addresses specific eligibility criteria. This letter is different from your offer letter. Please do not attempt to apply for a TN visa or enter the US in TN status without that letter, as you may be denied.

TN processing requirements differ for Canadians and Mexicans:

• Canadian citizens are exempt from visa requirements and will only need to present the required TN supporting documentation at a US port of entry.
• Mexican citizens must obtain a TN visa stamp in their passport from a US embassy or consulate before becoming eligible for admission to the US in TN status.

Processing from within the US

If international travel is not possible, OIS has the option to file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Please note that this process is more costly and time-consuming than processing from outside the U.S.

• TN work authorization is employer and employment specific. Consult OIS prior to any changes in your UMB employment. Examples of changes that must be authorized include:
  • Title
  • Number of hours worked
  • Department
  • Location
  • Position duties
• It is possible for individuals to work for multiple employers while in TN status, if authorized to so by DHS. Consult OIS for additional information. 
• Generally, TN employees may not accept honoraria or payment from outside sources.

TN status is initially granted for up to 3 years.

Extensions of stay may be granted in increments of up to three years. Employees will need to demonstrate that they do not intend to reside permanently in the US.

Use caution if you are pursuing a stay of longer than 6 years. DHS may deny your application (or re-entry into the US at the border) or require further proof of the temporary nature of your employment.

TN employees may enter the U.S. up to 10 days prior to the start date indicated in the TN Employment Letter or I-797 approval notice if a petition was filed. There may also be a discretionary 10-day grace period after the employment end date indicated on the I-94. To confirm if the grace period was granted, check the I-94 each time you re-enter the United States. You cannot work during the grace period.

Prior to departing the US, OIS asks that TN employees complete the "International Travel Reporting" e-form in Sunapsis and schedule an online advising appointment.

Required documents to re-enter the United States:

• A valid passport
• A valid TN visa (if Mexican citizen)
• A TN support letter from your department,
• Evidence of continued employment (i.e., three most recent paycheck stubs, a letter from your employing department)
• If UMB filed a petition for you within the US:
  • a valid TN approval notice (i.e. the original lower portion of the I-797 approval notice and a copy of the upper portion.)
  • a copy of the entire petition. If you have not received a copy, please email OIS.

You can bring your spouse or unmarried children under age 21 with you to US as TD dependents. 

TD dependents are not authorized to work in the US, but they may study full-time.