US Expected To Not Extend USMCA, But TN Visas Alive For Now
The USMCA and the TN visa classification is in limbo as the Trump administration is expected to announce that the US will not extend the USMCA.
This does not mean the immediate end of the TN visa program, which owes its existence to the USMCA.
If the US decides to not extend the USMCA by July 1st, then the parties will be required to conduct annual reviews of the agreement until 2036 during which they may either agree to extend the USMCA or let it expire in 2036.
However, any party could also give 6 month’s notice to cancel the agreement all together, which could place current TN visa workers in jeopardy.
Should the USMCA be cancelled, it is uncertain how U.S. immigration officials will handle current TN visa holders. Potential scenarios could be (1) TN visa holders are allowed to continue working until their current I-94s expire; or (2) a sunset provision is announced where all TN visa holders’ work authorization ends on a specific date.
Again, at this point in time, the USMCA remains in force potentially at least until 2036 unless a party formally announces its withdrawal from the agreement.
Learn more about the TN visa requirements and process
U.S. immigration lawyer Brian D. Zuccaro has over 20 years of experience helping employers and individuals navigate the TN visa process.
