TCN Processing

Third Country National (TCN) processing occurs when an individual applies for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in a country where the individual is not a citizen or national.

The TCN processing is sometimes more convenient and even advisable when an alien wishes, for various reasons, to apply for a visa at the American Embassy located NOT at his or her home country but in a third country, such as Mexico or Canada. But not all visa applicants can do TCN processing even if they want to, because there are restrictive eligibility requirements imposed by each post which can change at any time, without notice.

Based on our experience, it is extremely important that TCN visa applicants work with immigration attorneys who are very familiar with the TCN processing and frequently make trips to these TCN posts. It is crucial that TCN visa applicants should be accompanied by and be represented by these U.S. immigration attorneys experienced in the TCN visa processing. Our law office works closely with the immigration attorneys specializing in TCN processing to provide comprehensive services to those who need this kind of services. Given that there is no AAO appeal rights for I-129E COS or EOS denials, TCN processing is an important option for many small business E-2 owners and is definitely worth a look.

The reason why it is so important to work with an immigration attorney who is a TCN specialist is because in some cases, if you get your visa denied, you cannot return to the U.S. Specifically, if your NIV visa is denied at the American Embassy in Mexico or Canada, you have to return back to your home country, unless you have a valid, unexpired non-immigrant visas. This is why your case must be carefully screened for any potential problems before appointments are made to do a TCN processing.

If you are interested in the TCN processing, you can contact us to see if you are eligible. You should do everything possible in advance to avoid being stuck in Mexico or Canada when for some reason you are not able to obtain visa or encounter a delay.