TN visa to Green Card

Understanding the Nature of the TN Visa

The TN visa is granted to temporary non-immigrant workers from Canada and Mexico under the United States-Mexico Canada Agreement (USCMA). Its nature as a nonimmigrant visa means it does not provide a direct path to permanent residency in the U.S. However, TN visa holders can still explore several possibilities for obtaining a green card.

Does a TN Visa Pave the Way for a Green Card?

Holding a TN visa does not inherently qualify you for a green card, typically granted for permanent U.S. residency. The expectation for TN visa holders is to maintain a nonimmigrant intent, planning to return to their homeland post the visa tenure. Yet, there are specific circumstances under which a green card can be sought, albeit with necessary requirements and limitations.

Possible Avenues to a Green Card While on a TN Visa

Despite the temporary nature of a TN visa, there exist numerous potential routes to a green card:

  1. Employer Sponsorship: Your U.S. employer can begin the green card process for you. The process typically involves securing a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor and filing an immigrant petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  2. Family Sponsorship: A close U.S. citizen or green card holder family member can potentially sponsor you for a green card.
  3. Self-Sponsorship: Exceptionally talented or qualified individuals can explore self-sponsorship categories like EB-1A or EB-2 National Interest Waiver.
  4. Diversity Visa Lottery: This lottery program offers individuals from low-immigration countries an opportunity to acquire a green card via a random selection process.
  5. Other Special Categories: Certain categories like asylum or refugee status, U visa for crime victims, or VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) for domestic violence victims may qualify for a green card.

Seeking Professional Advice for Green Card Acquisition

Acquiring a green card while on a TN visa can be a complex endeavor. Thus, it is highly recommended to consult an experienced immigration attorney or a qualified immigration professional to help navigate the process.

I have an approved I-130 or I-140, can I still get a TN visa?

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We Can Help!

You may have questions regarding going from a TN visa to a green card. We invite you to reach out to our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today for an assessment of your legal situation.

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