TN Visa
The TN non-immigrant visa category is for Canadian and Mexican citizens. Canadian citizens can apply for TN visa status when entering the U.S., but Mexican citizens must obtain a TN visa from an American embassy/consulate prior to arrival.
TN status may be granted for up to three years, and this status may be extended indefinitely in three-year increments, for as long as the employment continues.
Address Change - You must notify USCIS of all home address changes using Form AR-11 within 10 days of moving. Additional information about Form AR-11 is on our website.
Extension of TN Status
TN status is renewable in 3-year increments. If you plan to travel back to Canada in the few months before the expiration of TN status, it is possible to apply for extension upon re-entry to the U.S. You should present an updated set of documents as listed in "Documentation for Obtaining TN Status" on this website.
TD dependents will also require an extension of status at the same time. If dependents travel separately from the TN Beneficiary, proof that the TN Beneficiary's stay has already been extended will be required.
If you are not traveling at or near the time of your TN expiration, you can seek an extension by having your hospital department contact our office to file an extension application with U.S. Department of Homeland Security for you and any of your dependents. All visas processed by our office are employer-dependent and the hiring department must act as the liaison with our office. Applications for extension can be submitted to U.S. Department of Homeland Security up to 4 months before the TN status expiration date, and must be received at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security by the expiration of the TN status authorized on the I-94.
The U.S. government charges a $460 filing fee to process extension applications within the U.S. There is an additional filing fee of $370 plus an $85 biometrics fee for each family member to process extensions for TD dependents.
As stated earlier, these applications can take from 1 to 5 months to be approved. If you or you dependents choose to travel internationally during this time period, you may have to apply for the extension of visa status at the time and be subjected to an additional $50 fee (the previously submitted fees to U.S. Department of Homeland Security cannot be refunded). For this reason, PIPS recommends traveling for the purpose of extending the TN status.
Request for Change or Addition of U.S. Employer
There are two ways for you to change or add a U.S. employer:
- You could travel internationally (usually most convenient through a U.S./Canadian border) with the appropriate documentation from either both employers or the sole new employer.
- The new/added employer must file a petition with appropriate supporting documentation with U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The petition must be approved prior to your taking on the new or added employment situation.
The new employer will advise you about the most appropriate way to add or change employment. Changing employers does not require approval from PIPS or your current employer.