Embassy of the United States Manila, Philippines

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) creates special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada and Mexico.  The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals to work in the United States. 

Non-Canadian citizen spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21, who are accompanying or following to join NAFTA Professionals (TN visa holders), must apply for derivative TD nonimmigrant visas. Applicants must demonstrate a bona fide spousal or parent-child relationship to the principal TN visa holder.

Canadian citizens nonimmigrant treaty national (TN) visa applicants must apply for a visa at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the U.S. Port of Entry located at their home country.

However, should a Canadian without TN status, who resides in the Philippines with a non-Canadian spouse or family member, and who plans to enter the United States as a NAFTA professional simultaneously with the family member(s), will need a TN visa in order to confer derivative TD status on his or her dependents. In such cases, the Canadian who could not wait to have his or her case adjudicated by the DHS at a port of entry, since the non-Canadian dependent would require a visa to board a flight and to apply for entry into the United States, s/he and the derivative family members may apply at the American Embassy in Manila.

Mexican citizen spouses and children must apply for TD nonimmigrant visas at a U.S. Embassy.

How To Apply

To apply, Non-Canadian and non-Mexican spouses and minor, unmarried children of the TN visa/status holders must comply with the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Procedures. In addition to the basic documentary requirements, the applicant must submit the following additional documentary requirements:    

1. Proof of relationship to the principal applicant, such as marriage certificate (for spouse) and birth certificate (for child dependents).
2. Photocopies of entry documents of the principal applicant such as a valid I-94. 

Notes:  

• In some cases, additional documents may be requested 
• The applicant must submit these documents to the interviewing consular officer during the interview. The Nonimmigrant Visa Unit does not accept documents before the interview. Any documents received will not be returned and will be destroyed. Please note, however, that presentation of the documents will not guarantee visa issuance. Applicants must still qualify for the type of visa being sought. 

Please feel free to visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page.
  
Last Update :: 01/27/2010