The US offers different visa options for non-citizens who wish to work in the country as well as employers seeking offshore talent. As for Canadian and Mexican immigrants, the TN visa is usually the easiest and most popular route.

The TN Visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits you entry to the United States for work temporarily. It’s time-bound and only lasts for a maximum time of 3 years. So, what happens when it does expire, but you still wish to work in the US? The good news is you can extend your TN visa for another three years.

Now, if you’d like your TN visa renewal to go through, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

The Process is as Thorough as Your First Application

You might be expecting the renewal to be a little less vigorous than your first application. However, the reality is that it’s actually quite similar. You need to provide a lot of documentation, including:

  • Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship
  • Your employment contract
  • A supporting letter from your employer
  • Evidence of your current TN visa status
  • Valid passport

Avenues Through Which You can Renew Your TN Visa

How you approach the renewal process will depend on whether you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen and your unique situation. Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Filing a Petition with USCIS

You can request a visa extension by filing Form I-129 with the USCIS. Your employer typically initiates this procedure on your behalf. Being the petitioner, they will file the form and provide all the necessary documentation, including a support letter.

However, keep in mind that you need to be physically present in the country when submitting your application and have a valid TN visa. So, applying months before your visa expires is always best.

2. Renewal at the Border or Consulate

Aside from the first option, Canadian citizens can also apply for a visa renewal at an entry point. The process, in terms of documentation, is still the same. Note that there’s a renewal fee you will need to pay on top of satisfying the TN visa requirements to be admitted into the country.

As for citizens of Mexico, border application is not possible. But they can still renew at the US consulate.

When Can Your TN Visa Renewal Application Be Denied?

Now, your visa renewal request will be approved or denied. A denial may happen when:

  • Your visa expired before you filed for a renewal.
  • You were not physically present in the US when you applied for the renewal.
  • Your passport was not valid for the entire duration you needed a visa extended for.

Start your visa renewal processing early to avoid such scenarios. And if you have limited time, you can opt for premium processing, which moves faster.

Get an Attorney to Help You Navigate Your Visa Renewal Process

This guide should assist you if you’re applying for a TN visa extension. However, the process can get overwhelming, or worse; your request may be denied. That is why you may need a visa attorney to advise, answer your questions, and help with the process.

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