Beneficiary
In the context of immigration, a beneficiary is the person who will receive the immigration benefit being requested in an immigration application or petition.
In TN visa applications, the beneficiary is the Canadian or Mexican professional seeking to obtain the TN visa to allow them to live and work in the U.S.
To be a beneficiary of a TN visa, an individual must be:
- A citizen of Canada or Mexico
- Have a job offer from an employer in the U.S. in an approved TN occupation
- Meet all educational and professional requirements for the TN profession
- Have a TN employer letter from their U.S. employer
- Intend to stay in the U.S. temporarily (not more than three years).
The beneficiary plays an important role in the TN visa process, which includes:
- Gathering all documents supporting their application (such as proof of citizenship, diplomas, transcripts, etc.)
- Obtaining the TN support letter from their U.S. employer
- Submitting the application by applying at a U.S. consulate or Embassy (for Mexicans) or applying directly at a port of entry or filing Form I-129 (for Canadians).
- Answering TN interview questions with consular officers or CBP officers
- Maintaining TN status after approval (by not overstaying or continuing valid employment).
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.
