Coming to the United States in TN Status

ISO will not be involved if you are seeking initial entry to the U.S. in TN status. Instead, the hiring UW department will provide you with a letter to present to the immigration officer at a U.S. consulate (if a Mexican citizen) and the port of entry. If you are currently in the U.S. in some other nonimmigrant status, ISO generally recommends that you depart the U.S. and enter in TN status using the procedures described below.

Canadian citizens may request admission to the U.S. as a TN professional without first applying for a visa. Mexican citizens must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate. Mexican citizens should be prepared to provide the following documents at both the U.S. consulate and when applying for admission after receipt of the TN visa. Both Mexican citizens with a TN visa and Canadian citizens may apply for admission at a U.S. class A port of entry, a U.S. airport handling international traffic, or at a U.S. pre-clearance/pre-flight station. No petition, Labor Condition Application, visa or prior approval is required. You must present:

• Valid passport.
• Copies of diplomas, official transcripts, and license (if required) to establish that you meet the criteria to perform the occupation at a professional level (submit originals for verification purposes; they will be returned).
• A letter from the hiring UW department addressed to the Department of Homeland Security which identifies the specific TN-approved profession in which you will be working, a detailed summary of the job responsibilities, salary, and anticipated length of stay. The letter should state the minimum degree and experience requirements of the job and describe how you are qualified to perform the job.
• Visa screen is required for certain healthcare professionals.

Canadian citizens must pay a $56 TN fee in U.S. funds at the place of admission. Mexican citizens pay a $131 nonimmigrant visa processing fee and a $100 visa issuance fee at the consular appointment.

• Plan to enter the U.S. in TN status no more than 10 days prior to the employment start date indicated in the employer’s letter.
• Always hand-carry your documents and be prepared to present them to an immigration officer.
• Make sure the immigration officer understands that you seek admission to the U.S. in TN status.
• The U.S. immigration officer will issue to you Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record and place this document in your passport. You will be asked to provide an address where you will be living in Seattle. Check that the I-94 indicates “TN” status and reflects the validity dates requested in the employer’s letter (up to three years), the TN occupation, and the employer’s name. The I-94 is evidence of your eligibility to work in the U.S. Don't lose it!
• The officer will take your fingerprints and a digital photograph.
• If the officer cannot initially verify your information you may be directed to an interview area referred to as "secondary inspection." Please remain patient and cooperative. If the officer has questions about your affiliation with the University of Washington, suggest that he or she contact your UW department or ISO.