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TN Visa for Canadians
Our Experience Can Help You Successfully Obtain Your TN Visa.
Our TN Visa Pledge:
- Strong TN VISA experience from a dual citizen (Canada & US) immigration lawyer
- A deep understanding of the TN process, borders, & trends
- A 100% commitment to processing your application successfully
- Open communication and prompt response... always.
- The highest level of service at an affordable FLAT rate.
 Our Free TN Visa Evaluation...
Do you have questions about applying for a TN Visa? Are you concerned about rejection, the interview process, or proper preparation?
Take advantage of our Free TN Visa Evaluation by calling 212-643-0985 or 1-800-673-1120 -- or simply
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for a fast, hassle-free reply.
No matter where you reside, we can provide you with timely, affordable TN Visa representation, backed by strong experience and intimate knowledge of the TN process and all the quirks involved.
How We Can Help.
The TN visa process is interesting, as some people underestimate the simplicity of securing a TN Visa while others fear the worst and worry excessively about rejection. Regardless of where you fall in that spectrum, you should know that with the right experience, proper preparation, and insight into current TN Visa trends and border issues, successfully obtaining a TN Visa can be a hassle free and smooth experience.
 Our goal at Lightman Law Firm isn't just to prepare your TN application. It's also to make the process straightforward and stress-free by giving you complete confidence that every detail has been covered on your behalf.
To that end, we are very service oriented and responsive, and encourage open communication with all of our clients.
TN Visa applications can often be prepared in under a week.
Our Canada TN Visa experience benefits you in several key ways. We:
- Clarify options and potential scenarios surrounding your case
- Assist you in collecting the required documentation
- Correctly classify your application and ensure all requirements are met
- Prepare all documents, forms, supporting materials, and letters required for approval
- Provide border recommendations based on your geographic location and your application
- Communicate with border officers in connection with your application, if necessary
- Conduct interview preparation
- Ensure availability during actual border application process
Your success is our success.
At Lightman Law, that's not just lip service. You'll know it from the first communication through the completion of your case.
Take Advantage of our Free TN Visa Consultation.
Questions? Concerns? We can help. We'll explain the process, answer any questions you have, and explain how our TN Visa experience can help you gain successful approval of your application.
There's no obligation. Contact us:
* 212-643-0985
* 800-673-1120
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NAFTA TN Visa Case Study
Approved TN Visa Following 2 Denials
 An IT consulting company client came to us in an effort to secure a TN Visa for a Canadian Computer Systems Analyst seeking to enter the U.S. to perform services at a 3rd party client site. The client's Computer Systems Analyst candidate was denied twice at two different ports of entry before our firm was retained and we successfully helped out the client and candidate with securing a 3-year TN visa.
Despite being a strong candidate for the Computer Systems Analyst profession, the candidate was rejected on 2 separate occasions within a 10 day period because the candidate's TN application was improperly prepared. The first time the candidate applied for the TN visa was at Trudeau airport in Montreal prior to attempting to board a flight enroute to the U.S. After presenting the TN application to the customs officer at the airport, the officer noted that while the candidate met the basic requirements for the TN occupation of a computer systems analyst, it was unclear from the employer letter of support and other documentation provided as to whether the position being offered to the candidate by the company met the TN requirements. Although the officer felt bad for the candidate since he was now going to miss his flight, there was nothing he could do but deny the application since it clearly didn't indicate that the position met the qualifications of the Computer Systems Analyst TN category.
At this point, the candidate reassessed the application with the client company's HR department. They recrafted a few items, including some additional documents, and redrafted the employer letter of support. Due to the fact that the company already lost the expense of the first flight, they decided that the candidate should drive to the U.S. and cross through a Vermont border.
On the second attempt at the Vermont port of entry, the candidate was again denied. The reason for the denial was similar to the reason for the denial in Montreal, namely that the application was insufficient. Furthermore, the customs officer perceived the candidate to be "port shopping" by not returning to Montreal to apply. Also, the officer mentioned that in such an instance of two denied applications in 10 days and "port shopping" he could put the candidate in expedited removal (5 year ban from the U.S.). Thankfully the candidate was not given expedited removal and merely left the border with his second denied TN application in 10 days.
At this point, HR and the candidate knew that they had a very sensitive issue on their hands. The company needed this candidate in the U.S. at the client site in a matter of days. There was no room for error or delays. HR contacted our firm, provided us with all details, and presented us with the application materials previously used and the denial documentation given by the various customs officer.
We could clearly see the deficiencies in the TN applications presented and knew that the situation was very serious. Usually, when attempting to "rehabilitate" a TN application, it is after one denial, not two. In such a circumstance, the biggest risk is putting the candidate in a situation where he/she could receive expedited removal.
Noting that we were getting involved in a very sensitive situation, we recrafted the entire application and properly drafted the employer letter of support. We also included a detailed legal brief explaining how the candidate qualified, how the position qualified, and disclosing the two prior denials with a discussion as to why the candidate went to a different port of entry after the first denial. We also researched issues pertaining to border options for the candidate and weighed the options with the various risks involved. In the end we decided that one of the biggest issues was to alleviate the idea of "port shopping". As such, we made the decision to send the candidate back to Trudeau airport in Montreal with a completely revised and accurate application and clear disclosure of the prior denials. The candidate received some extra questioning from the customs officer, but in the end he was approved for 3 years in the TN profession of a Computer Systems Analyst.
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Contact Us to Learn How We Can Help You Secure Your TN Visa
Call 212-643-0985 or email
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Frequently Asked Canadian TN Visa Questions
 How long is the TN visa good for? The TN visa can now be obtained for a maximum period of 3 years upon each application. Sometimes this period of time is limited to less than 3 years if it is clear from the application that the applicant's services are needed for less time.
Do I qualify for an TN Visa? While it's much easier to answer this for sure after speaking with you personally, there are a few general requirements that must be met. First of all, there MUST be a job offer in place from a U.S. employer. Secondly, you must fit into one of the TN visa professions and meet the minimum requirements for the profession. Before coming to any conclusions, it is highly advised for you to review the matter with an experienced TN visa lawyer.
Is there a particular border I should go to? Borders and ports of entry throughout the U.S. are all unique and sometimes have their own "protocol" on many different matters. Some borders or ports of entry are more or less preferred than others for different reasons. Border selection is part of any TN visa strategy.
What if I have been denied in the past? Like the example provided above, if you have been denied in the past your situation is much more sensitive and risky. It is important in such a scenario that you work very closely with an experienced TN visa attorney to determine whether the risks involved in reapplying and whether or not it is possible to rehabilitate your application.
What are the filing fees for a Canadian NAFTA TN Visa? If you are applying for a TN visa at the border the fee is a total of $56. If you are applying for the TN status through the Vermont Service Center, the filing fee is $320.
What are the legal fees for TN Visa representation? Give us a call and we will be happy to discuss our affordable fee structure with you. Rest easy, that Lightman Law Firm prides itself in offering the highest level of service at an affordable FLAT rate. You will never experience any pressure or obligation to work with us.
I don't have a bachelors degree. Will I qualify for a TN? Yes, you may qualify for a TN even though you do not have a bachelors degree. Many TN occupations do not require a bachelors degree as a minimum. For an overview of TN occupations and their requirements, please review the following link: TN visa occupations.
How far in advance of my start date can I apply for a TN visa? The answer to this question really depends on the port of entry you're applying at. Some ports of entry allow individuals to apply for TN visas in advance, while others do not. It is very important for you to be aware of the protocol of the particular ports you're considering.
Is there a quota or lottery for the TN visa like there is for the H-1b visa? No, the great thing about the TN visa is that there is no quota or lottery like there is for the H-1B visa.
Can I freelance on the TN visa or be "self-employed"? No, you are not permitted to freelance or be self-employed on the TN visa. You must be working for the petitioning entity in the position as stated on your application.
Can I work as an independent contractor for a U.S. company? Yes, you can work as an independent contractor for a U.S. company. While you cannot freelance or be self-employed in the U.S., you can work as an independent contractor for a U.S. company in the TN status as long as you have an approved TN to work for that specific company. Employees generally received W-2 tax documents, whereas an independent contractor would receive a 1099.
What is the maximum period of time that I can be in the U.S. in the TN status? The TN is now issued for periods of up to 3 years. Technically speaking, you can receive indefinite extensions of your TN status. However, in practice we have seen that certain ports of entry and the Vermont Service Center tend to apply more scrutiny when you are entering 6+ years of TN status.
Put our experience to work for you.
For a FREE no obligation consultation, contact us:
* 212-643-0985
* 800-673-1120
*
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Did You Know?
Some Interesting NAFTA TN Facts that May Help You:
TN Renewal Tip
The TN can be renewed quickly at a port of entry or through the Vermont Service Center.
TN & Immigrant Intent Tip
Unlike the H-1b status or L-1 status, the TN status does NOT allow for immigrant intent. This means that when you are applying for the TN or seeking to enter the U.S. in the TN status, you cannot have the intent to immigrate to the U.S. and remain permanently. However, there are certain ways to navigate this aspect of the TN. It is highly important for you understand this concept and discuss the matter in detail with your TN attorney.
TN non-border Application Tip
If you are already in the U.S. in a valid nonimmigrant status, you can apply for the TN status through a change of status application with the Vermont Service Center instead of going to the border to apply.
TN Border Tip
Know your border! It is highly crucial to the success of any TN application for you to have indepth knowledge of the protocol and trends at the borders you're considering for application. Each border tends to have its own personality and they each approach the TN process in a different manner. Inside knowledge of this information can be crucial for the success of any application.
TN authorized stay Tip
You are only authorized to stay and work in the U.S. in the TN status as per the period of authorized stay indicated on your I-94. Technically speaking, there is no grace period in the TN status. What this means is that if your authorized stay period expires or you are terminated from your job, you must leave the U.S. immediately.
TN forms Tip
If you are applying for a TN at a port of entry, there are no required USCIS forms that need to be submitted. If you are applying for a new TN or an extension through the Vermont Service Center then you will be required to submit Form I-129 with your application.
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Please Contact Us to Discuss Your Case!
Call 212-643-0985 or email
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