Switch from J-2 to TN to have the authorization to work faster?

S

Stef_Fio

New Member
Hi,

I have been living in the US for a month under a J-2 visa. I recently received a job offer, but I still don't have my authorization of employment (EAD card). I'm wondering if it can be a good idea to switch from a J-2 to a TN visa to be able to work a soon as possible. And if yes, can I apply for the TN while I'm in the US or I would have to return to Canada to pass the border?
Would I be able to switch again from TN to J-2 if something happens?

Thanks
 
If time is of the essence, you can go to the border and get TN. If you try by mail it will cost you for premium processing, and take a coupleof weeks. If you file normal processing it will come much later than your EAD anyways.

Otherwise, I would simply wait for my EAD.

You could of course get TN now, and then switch to EAD later. You would need to go back to the border to get J-1 status back.
 
thank you for your response

Unfortunately for me, I had forgotten that my visa was subject to the two-year home-country residency requirement. So I can't change status during my stay. I think I'll have to wait. Or maybe there is a different Visa that I can obtain without being subject to this 2-year law...
 
I believe that tf the J-1 individual is still in active J-1 status, the J-2 is not restricted from leaving US and getting another status, like TN. It is only at the end of J-1 that the 2-year rule would apply, at which time the J-1 could apply for a waiver.


But given your concerns, I would simply wat for EAD (which shouldn't be much longer) and cross the waiver bridge when you get to it.
 
nelsona said:
I believe that tf the J-1 individual is still in active J-1 status, the J-2 is not restricted from leaving US and getting another status, like TN. It is only at the end of J-1 that the 2-year rule would apply, at which time the J-1 could apply for a waiver.


But given your concerns, I would simply wat for EAD (which shouldn't be much longer) and cross the waiver bridge when you get to it.
Click to expand...


Thank you for this information, I will verify that nonetheless! My EAD card will not be approved before 2 months...
 
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