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Required documents for new and extension TN petitions

Overview

Gather the relevant materials below and follow the outlined steps.

  • Review this page (Printable checklist)
  • Confirm that the UW H Visa Request Form and all supporting documentation contain consistent information (e.g., appointment title, proposed dates of TN sponsorship, and salary)
  • Forward as one complete packet to International Scholars Operations (ISO) by one of the following methods:
    • By campus mail to campus mailbox 351245
    • As one complete PDF by replying to the email sent with the approved visa request
    • As one complete PDF uploaded to the visa request using the “Manage Files” function

With the exception of the employer’s letter, all documentation must be legible, single-sided photocopies of original documents on 8.5″ x 11″ paper. Original (wet) signatures are not required except as specified below. Avoid using staples.

Required Documents For All Petitions

For all petitions, please include the following:

  • A conditionally approved and signed H Visa Request Form (see our How to Sponsor page).
  • $510 check payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.
    • It is the responsibility of the hiring department to pay the fees on behalf of the foreign beneficiary. For more comprehensive fee information, visit our Fees page.
  • Employer’s letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • Copy of offer or reappointment letter to the beneficiary describing the terms and duration of the employment
  • Evidence that the beneficiary holds the degree required for the job
    • Beneficiary’s transcripts (If transcripts are unavailable, please explain why.)
    • Official diploma
    • Foreign language documents must include full English translations, certified by the translator as complete and correct
    • For degrees from foreign universities, the beneficiary should obtain a foreign educational equivalency evaluation by a recognized credentials evaluation service.
  • Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume
  • U.S. professional license, if required for the job
  • Passport page showing biographical data and expiration date
  • If currently in the U.S.:
    • Passport page showing most recent U.S. visa stamp
    • A completed, signed Maintenance of Status/I-94 Consent form AND the I-94 record received upon last entry to the U.S.
    • Current and any prior TN I-797 Approval Notices, if the beneficiary has ever held TN status approved by USCIS
  • If beneficiary is currently in J-1 or J-2 status, or has ever held J-1 or J-2 status, include:
    • Current and any prior DS-2019s and/or IAP-66s
    • USCIS approval of waiver of foreign residence requirement (applicable only if the beneficiary ever held J-1 or J-2 status and requested and received the waiver)
    • Current and any prior Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), if any

Additional Required Documents For New, and Change of Employer (Transfer) Petitions

For petitions where:

  • the beneficiary is currently outside the U.S., or
  • in the U.S. in a nonimmigrant status other than TN, or in TN status with another employer

include the following in addition to all materials listed above:

  • If beneficiary is currently in TN status with another employer, include:
    • Most recent pay stubs or similar salary record
  • If beneficiary is currently in F-1 status, include:
    • Current and prior I-20s
    • Current and prior EADs, if any
  • If beneficiary is currently in H-4 or another dependent status, include:
    • Marriage certificate, with English translation
    • Spouse’s most recent I-94 record
    • Spouse’s current and any prior I-797 Approval Notices
    • Spouse’s most-recent pay stub or other proof of current employment
  • If beneficiary is currently in another nonimmigrant or immigrant status, contact ISO to determine what evidence you must submit.

Dependent Filings for TD Status

Dependents in the U.S. changing to or extending TD status complete Form I-539. ISO will file this application concurrently with the TN petition as a courtesy, but cannot complete it or provide specific legal advice related to it. The I-539 should be completed in the name of the principal dependent, not the TN employee.

Children under 14 years of age should have a parent sign Part 6 of the I-539 using the following language: PARENT NAME on behalf of minor CHILD NAME.

In addition to the completed I-539 with original signature and $470 check payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”, include the following documents for each dependent:

  • A completed Form I-539A with original signature for each additional dependent
  • Proof of relationship to the TN employee (marriage certificate for spouse and birth certificates for children)
  • Copies of passport pages showing biographical data and expiration date and U.S. visa stamp
  • Copy of dependent’s most recent I-94 record
  • Any I-20s, DS-2019s, I-797 Approval Notices, EADs, or other documentation of current nonimmigrant status (if applicable)