TN Visa Worker Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements
Applying for a TN visa in the near future? Re-entering the U.S. under your existing TN status or visa? With limited exceptions, TN visa applicants and TN visa workers will soon need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to enter the U.S. by air or land. The timing and requirements differ based on whether entering the U.S. by air or by land, but the requirements for each will generally be in alignment starting January 2022.
Air Travel To The U.S.
Starting Nov. 8, 2021, non-immigrants (temporary visitors/workers) must be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States by plane (limited exceptions available including for children under 18). Non-immigrants will also be required to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test result, or proof of recovery from Covid-19.
The new vaccination requirement applies to:
Canadian citizens applying for TN visa status at a U.S. pre-clearance / pre-flight station or an international U.S. airport
Canadian citizens already holding TN status seeking to enter the U.S. by air
Canadian citizens possessing I-129 TN petition approvals seeking entry to the U.S. by air
Mexican citizens possessing TN visas seeking to enter the U.S. by air
In order to travel to the U.S. by air, these individuals will need:
Proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19
A negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 3 days before travel (if fully vaccinated; test must be taken 1 day prior if not)
To provide contact information to the airline before boarding their flights
Land Travel To The U.S.
Currently, only non-immigrants engaged in “essential travel” are permitted to enter the U.S. by land. USCBP has generally considered Canadians applying for TNs at the land border, or Candians/Mexicans seeking entry to the U.S. pursuant to TN status or a TN visa as engaged in “essential travel”.
Starting on Nov. 8, 2021, non-immigrants may be allowed to enter the U.S. for non-essential purposes, e.g. for tourism, recreation, family visits, etc., if they are fully vaccinated. Individuals who are unvaccinated may continue to enter the U.S. by land if engaged in “essential travel”, e.g. TN visa applicants and TN visa workers.
However, starting in January 2022, all non-immigrants including TN visa applicants and TN visa workers seeking entry to the U.S. by land must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and provide proof of vaccination. There will no longer be an exemption to the vaccine requirement if traveling to the U.S. for essential reasons.
More Information: