Department's Guide to Visa Sponsorship

Citizens of Mexico who qualify for TN status are required to apply for a TN visa at a U.S. Consulate prior to entering the U.S. as a TN professional. The following steps should be followed:

Department Contacts OIS

• The hiring department must contact OIS to determine if the individual and position are eligible for TN status. If eligible, the department will need to submit a request to OIS through the International Services Portal.

OIS Prepares a TN Visa Application Packet for the TN Professional

• Review the prospective employee's eligibility for entry into TN status
• Facilitate preparation of an appropriate TN employment letter and additional supporting materials
• Provide departments and employees guidance on requirements for initial and subsequent re-entry in TN status
• Advise employees on the benefits and restrictions attached to TN status

Employee Applies for TN Visa at a U.S. Consulate

• Upon receiving the TN Visa Application materials from the OIS, the employee applies for a TN visa at a U.S. Consulate. The employee may enter the U.S. only after receiving a TN visa and granted entry by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Employee Requests TN Status at a U.S. Port of Entry

• The employee arrives at a U.S. port of entry, presents the TN visa along with supporting materials, and requests TN status. TN status is granted by a U.S. CBP officer.

Notify OIS of Arrival

• Following arrival in the U.S., the employee should email OIS and provide a copy of their TN visa stamp and their Form I-94 admission record showing that they were admitted into the U.S. in TN status.

Extending TN-2 Status

• In most cases, a Mexican TN visa holder can extend TN status following the same procedures outlined above.