International work and travel are important, yet complicated parts of the international workforce landscape. The United States in particular is a popular location for international workers hoping to establish themselves and their businesses on a global scale, but their immigration and employment rules have fluctuated frequently in the past. Understanding when and how you can legally apply for work in the United States as a Canadian national is complicated, but The Bobb Law Firm PLLC is here to help answer your questions and design a pathway to legal work in the United States.
Most Canadian internationals have been able to work in the United States through what’s known as a TN (NAFTA) visa. Created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the TN nonimmigrant visa allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States for the purpose of working as professionals in the business setting. Accountants, engineers, lawyers, medical professionals, scientists, and teachers are all eligible under this category, as are a few other professions. Our qualified immigration lawyers can help you determine if you’re eligible for this visa and the benefits it provides, including a stay for up to three years and the ability to sponsor your spouse and children for temporary visas to study in the United States at the same time.
However, the COVID-19 virus has affected the process of applying for work visas or work permits for the United States. Mexican citizens are no longer eligible for TN visa applications, as all non-immigrant visa operations for Mexico were suspended in March of 2020. Medical professionals who are Mexican citizens may still be eligible for alternate emergent visas to help treat COVID patients. Canadian citizens are still eligible for TN visas, but may face extra quarantine restrictions or border closures depending on virus outbreaks. Mail applications are still being processed but face extended processing times.
An immigration attorney can help you review your application for temporary visas and determine what the best method is for you to receive your visa. If you’re applying from out of state and concerned about travel exposure, an application by mail with a Form I-129 might be the most safe way to secure your TN visa. If you’re in more immediate need of a visa, you may want to apply in person at a Pre-flight Inspection Office in Canada or at the border to expedite the process. Renewing your TN visa can take place in-person or via mail depending on your own personal comfort level, making it a convenient and easy thing to continue.
Overall, visa processing for Canadian nationals hoping to apply for TN work permits has not changed very much, the only exception being longer processing times for mail applications. For more specific inquiries about facilitating your immigration to the United States as a worker, please contact The Bobb Law Firm PLLC for assistance from experienced immigration attorneys.
