About to start TN process

[pgamez]

I just received a job offer about a month ago and I'm getting ready to apply for a TN status.

So far, it's being a very slow process up-to this point. I don't know what law firm they're using but it's taking too long even for them to request me the collection of my documents.

That said, I'd like to clearly understand what's the process and the documents required; I'm Mexican.

Documents for TN-2:
• A TN visa letter from your employer
• Job offer letter from your employer
• Supporting documentation as necessary: company brochure, resume, university transcripts, ...

Additional (for Mexicans):
• A letter of employment in the United States (same than above)
• A passport
• An application + supplemental, Form DS-156
• Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157

Process:
1) Get all documents, and pay fee
2) Schedule an appointment at US Embassy or Consulate
3) Show up at appointment, and go through the interview

Is there anything I'm missing here? I had told by the HR department of my new employer that the process, on their side, is almost as difficult as a H1B visa process; that's hard to believe.

With all the information I had red in this forum, it's hard to understand why this process is taking so much time , and I'd like to help them to understand what's required and what's not, so we can speed things up.

And sorry for the second question or request for advice, does the 'shortcut' TN->GC works for a TN-2 (mexican)? (I'm know I'm getting waaay ahead, but just want to know)

 

[TheRealCanadian]

Is there anything I'm missing here?

That's pretty much it.

I had told by the HR department of my new employer that the process, on their side, is almost as difficult as a H1B visa process; that's hard to believe.

Anything more involved than consuming oxygen apparently challenges your new employer's HR department. They don't need to do an LCA, they don't need to file an I-129, and they don't need to pay the onerous H-1B head taxes. It's night and day.

And sorry for the second question or request for advice, does the 'shortcut' TN->GC works for a TN-2 (mexican)? (I'm know I'm getting waaay ahead, but just want to know)

Apart from the requirement for a consular visa, the TN-2 and the TN-1 are pretty much the same. The process should work, but in over a decade I have yet to hear of a single TN-2 holder taking this route so I cannot say for sure.

 

[nelsona]

the one big difference is that Mexican-born EB categories are often (more) retrogressed than "Rest of World". but other than that, it's pretty straightforward.

 

[simsd]

Sounds like the law firm they are using is not familiar with the process for a TN. Where are you crossing? At a regular border or flying in?

 

[pgamez]

Thanks for your quick response in this matter. I feel more confident to push harder and help them with the process.

Sounds like the law firm they are using is nt familiar with the process for a TN.

Yeah, that's also my feeling.

Where are you crossing? At a regular border or flying in?

I cannot apply at POE, I need to apply for the TN at a US embassy or consulate. I'm actually living at a city next to California, 2 hours from Tijuana.

 

[pgamez]

I found this in a website (attorneys) - http://www.hooyou.com/tn/procedures.html

B. TN-2, Mexican Professionals.
The procedure for obtaining TN-2 status is similar to the procedure for obtaining H-1B status. An application, evidence, and documentation must be submitted to the USCIS (formerly called the INS) by mail. If approved, the applicant will receive an approval notice. The applicant then takes this approval notice along with other required materials to the U.S. Consulate where the applicant applies for a visa.

Looks similar to the comment I got from HR.

See the section in BOLD; is that true? A friend from my current employer has a TN and told me he sent his documentation to the US consulate beforehand so they can check it before scheduling an appointment. That's not an issue for me because he told me that took around 10 days. Might this be extra caution or an actual requirement from INS for TN-2 applicants?

 

[pgamez]

I think I found the response myself:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1274.html

Extract:
Requirements for Mexican Citizens

As of January 1, 2004 the procedures were simplified for Mexicans by removing the requirement for petition approval and for filing of a labor condition application. Mexicans are no longer subject to numerical limitation for these professionals. Mexican citizens still require a visa to request admission to the United States.

Definitely, this is nothing similar as to apply for an H1B.

 

[simsd]

Sounds like if you fill out the I-129, you should be good to go. If you do it online, at the end of processing everything it will tell you what you need send in.