Adjudication
Adjudication, as it pertains to U.S. immigration, is the process by which an immigration officer reviews an immigration application or petition and makes a formal decision of approval or denial.
During adjudication for TN visas, a government official examines the TN application and supporting documents to determine whether the applicant meets all legal and procedural requirements to receive the TN visa. Adjudication for TN visas depends on the method of application.
- Port of Entry applications: Adjudication is conducted on the spot by CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officers. The officers review TN documentation and interview the individual right there at the port of entry, and then make a decision.
- Form I-129 applications: The USCIS adjudicates the TN application without an interview and makes a decision to approve or deny. This can take between 3 and 6 months.
- Applications at U.S. Embassy or Consulate: For Mexican applications, a visa officer interviews the individual and adjudicates the application at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy in Mexico. This can take 3 to 6 months.
Author Jacob Sapochnick serves as the Managing Partner/CEO of a prominent law firm that focuses on immigration law. Boasting an extensive legal background spanning over a decade, he adeptly merges his enthusiasm for law with cutting-edge technology to aid clients worldwide in their journey to immigrate to the United States.
