TN Visas Can Now be Obtained and Renewed for Three Years
On October 14, 2008, the USCIS announced that TN visas can now be initially granted and then renewed for up to a maximum of 3 years rather than just 1 year as per the prior rule.
TN visas are granted to certain professional workers from Canada and Mexico who have at least a bachelor’s degree or appropriate professional credentials and who work in certain qualified fields pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
The extension form 1 to 3 years will really make it easier on both the employees and the employers who utilize TN visas. Now, they will not have to incur the costs and hassle of having to renew annually. The change is also effective for spouses and unmarried minor children of a TN nonimmigrant.
Here is the FAQs that was released by the USCIS yesterday. However, the FAQs is confusing in that it still refers to extensions as being available for only one year rather than three years--see, "How many times can a person apply for TN visas?" The USCIS announcement clearly states that the 3 year period applies not only to intial applications for the TN visa but also to renewal applications.
