TN VISA I-129 PETITIONS BACKLOGGED

According to USCIS' most recently published processing times for the Vermont Service Center (VSC), the VSC is taking longer than normal in its adjudication of I-129 petitions requesting TN visa status. (The VSC has sole jurisdiction for adjudicating I-129 petitions requesting TN visa status.) As of the date of its most recently published report (Oct. 31, 2015), the VSC was working on TN petitions filed on June 15, 2015, which suggests it is taking almost 6 months to adjudicate these petitions. The VSC normally lists its processing times for I-129 petitions seeking TN status as 2 months.

Individuals with pending I-129 petitions who require approval of their petition in order to travel or renew their driver’s license can consider upgrading their petition to premium processing. This results in a decision within 15 days, but requires an additional $1225.00 filing fee. In emergency situations, individuals can also withdraw a pending I-129 petition and apply for new TN work authorization at the border (Canadian citizens) or at the U.S. consulate (Mexican citizens).