TN Visa Lawyers in New York
Navigating Professional Opportunities Through the TN Visa
The TN Visa category is available exclusively to Canadian and Mexican citizens, created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)/ US Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), which established special economic and trade relationships between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The TN visa allows professionals from these countries to work in the U.S. in certain approved occupations.
Professionals from Canada and Mexico who wish to build careers in the U.S. can benefit significantly from the TN visa. At Sharma Law Associates, LLC, our New York TN visa lawyers work closely with qualified applicants and their employers to ensure applications meet the specific documentation, eligibility, and procedural standards set forth by U.S. immigration law.
Industries That Commonly Use the TN Visa in New York
New York’s dynamic economy presents numerous opportunities for NAFTA professionals across various sectors.
The TN visa is particularly common in industries such as:
Financial services and accounting.
Engineering.
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
Architecture and engineering.
Scientific research and education.
Consulting and management analysis.
Our TN Visa Attorneys in New York understand how each industry interprets NAFTA-listed job categories and how to present your qualifications in a way that meets TN standards.
Proving Qualifications for TN Visa Eligibility
A key part of securing TN visa approval is proving that the applicant meets the education and credential requirements for their professional classification.
This often requires:
Credential evaluations for degrees earned outside the U.S.
Translations of diplomas and transcripts when not in English.
Detailed resumes demonstrating relevant work experience.
Licenses or certifications, if applicable to the profession.
Our New York TN visa attorneys work to ensure that your documentation aligns perfectly with NAFTA guidelines, reducing the risk of delays or denials.
Support for Employers Sponsoring TN Visa Professionals
Many U.S. employers are unfamiliar with the TN visa process, especially when hiring a Canadian or Mexican professional for the first time.
Our New York TN Visa Lawyers help:
Draft detailed employer support letters.
Confirm the role meets NAFTA job list criteria.
Guide HR teams through proper recordkeeping and compliance.
Coordinate petition filings and prepare for interviews.
We also help businesses assess whether the TN visa is the best fit or if another visa category may offer greater long-term benefits.
Handling TN Visa Renewals and Extensions
Because the TN visa can be renewed indefinitely, many professionals and employers rely on it for long-term employment. However, each renewal requires a clear showing that the job remains temporary and meets NAFTA standards.
Our New York TN Visa Attorneys assist with:
Timely preparation of extension applications.
Updating employer letters to reflect current job responsibilities.
Identifying red flags that may suggest a shift toward permanent intent.
Strategic Planning for Career Advancement While on a TN Visa
While the TN visa is not a dual intent visa, it doesn't mean you can’t pursue long-term career goals.
Our firm advises TN professionals on how to:
Maintain compliance while exploring other immigration options.
Transition to employer-sponsored green cards through appropriate timing.
Shift to other visa categories if career paths change, including H-1B or O-1 visas.
Working With Professionals Across the Tri-State Area
From Manhattan-based consulting firms to research centers in Westchester or Long Island, our TN Visa Lawyers in New York serve a wide range of professionals and organizations.
We offer:
Remote consultations with clients throughout New York and beyond.
In-person meetings to prepare documents and complete filings.
Continued guidance as roles, locations, or family situations evolve.
Addressing Issues at the Border or Consulate
For Canadian and Mexican citizens, TN applications are often adjudicated at the border or U.S. consulates. Inconsistent decisions or denials can occur if documents aren’t prepared carefully or if interview answers raise concerns.
Our TN Visa Attorneys in New York provide:
Interview preparation tailored to your case and location.
Pre-screening to spot weaknesses in the application.
Advice on how to respond if denied and whether reapplication is advisable.
Documenting Intent to Return Abroad
Because the TN visa requires temporary intent, applicants must often show that they maintain strong ties to their home country.
This may include:
A lease or mortgage in Canada or Mexico.
Immediate family members remaining abroad.
Employment agreements with end dates.
Our firm ensures your application narrative supports your stated intent while preserving future immigration flexibility.
Serving Both First-Time and Returning Applicants
Whether you're applying for a TN visa for the first time or have used it for several years, we tailor our services to your experience level and goals. Even seasoned TN professionals may benefit from updated documentation, recent changes to U.S. immigration policy, or evolving job roles that require new analysis.
Eligibility Criteria for TN Visa
To qualify for a TN visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
Must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
The job offer or profession must be listed in the NAFTA job list, which includes professions like accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, and scientists, among others.
The position in the U.S. requires a NAFTA professional, as listed in the NAFTA appendix.
The applicant must be employed in a prearranged full-time or part-time position with a U.S. employer (self-employment is not allowed under the TN visa).
The applicant must have the necessary education and qualifications to meet the requirements of the specific profession, such as a professional degree or relevant work experience.
One advantage of the TN visa is that there are no annual quota limits, meaning an unlimited number of TN visas can be issued each fiscal year.
However, unlike the H-1B visa, the TN visa is not a dual intent visa, meaning applicants must demonstrate a temporary intent to stay in the U.S. They must clearly show that their stay will be limited and that they do not intend to immigrate permanently.
TN Visa Duration
TN visas are typically issued for up to three years, with the option to renew the visa for additional three-year periods indefinitely, provided the applicant maintains the same professional occupation and qualifications.
Canadian citizens can request a TN visa at a U.S. port of entry, where they can receive approval on the spot.
Mexican citizens are required to obtain a TN visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad, where they must undergo a visa interview.
Application Process
To apply for a TN visa, applicants need to provide:
Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship (passport).
Educational degrees and employment records proving qualifications for the professional job category listed under NAFTA.
A support letter from the U.S. employer that provides details on the job offer, including the job title, duties, and qualifications.
Payment of the required visa fees.
Canadian citizens can apply for TN status directly at a U.S. port of entry (border or airport), while Mexican citizens must apply at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.
Change of Status and Employment
TN visa holders are also allowed to request a change of status to TN from within the U.S. if they are already in the country under a different visa classification. Additionally, TN visa holders can switch employers by obtaining new TN status through their new employer. However, TN visas do not have the portability feature like other visa types, so a new employer’s petition must be approved before the applicant can start the new job.
Employers can file a petition with USCIS, or applicants can apply for new TN status at a port of entry or at a U.S. embassy after leaving the U.S.
We Also Serve Following Areas:
Why Choose Sharma Law Associates for TN Visa Services?
At Sharma Law Associates, we offer comprehensive support for both employers and applicants seeking TN visas. We thoroughly assess the job requirements and the applicant’s qualifications to ensure compliance with NAFTA’s TN visa requirements. Our services include:
Detailed assessment of the applicant’s eligibility based on NAFTA's listed professions.
Assistance in gathering necessary documentation, such as degrees, employment records, and support letters.
Filing of TN visa applications with USCIS or providing guidance for applications at ports of entry or U.S. consulates.
Support for TN visa renewals, changes of employment, and any complications that may arise during the process.
Speak With a TN Visa Lawyer in New York Today
Whether you’re a Canadian or Mexican professional seeking a new job in the U.S., or an employer hoping to onboard international talent, Sharma Law Associates, LLC can help. Our New York TN visa attorneys provide practical, knowledgeable support grounded in years of experience with NAFTA and USMCA.
Call us today at 646-374-3480, online, or schedule a personalized consultation on our calendar with a TN Visa Lawyer in New York who is committed to helping you move forward with confidence and legal clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
A TN visa is not a dual intent visa. TN visa holders must demonstrate that they plan to return to their home country after completing their U.S. employment. Although, it is still possible to apply for a Green Card after taking some considerations in mind.
-
TN visas are generally issued for an initial period of up to three years. They can be renewed indefinitely in three-year increments as long as the job remains valid and the applicant meets the requirements.
-
Canadian citizens can apply for TN status directly at a U.S. port of entry, while Mexican citizens must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy, which includes attending a visa interview.
-
Yes, TN visa holders can change employers, but they must obtain new TN status before starting with the new employer. The new employer’s petition must be approved before employment begins.
-
Yes, if you are already in the U.S. under a different visa status, you can apply for a change of status to TN. You can also apply for a new TN visa when switching employers.
-
You will need proof of citizenship (Canadian or Mexican passport), educational degrees or certifications, employment records, a support letter from the U.S. employer, and the required visa application fee.
-
Yes, spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 can accompany TN visa holders on a TD visa. However, TD visa holders are not allowed to work in the U.S.
-
No, self-employment is not permitted under the TN visa. You must have a prearranged job offer from a U.S. employer to qualify for TN status.