What are the risks of working outside the approved functions on the TN?

The TN visa is a widely used option for professionals who wish to work temporarily in the United States in specific fields and according to pre-determined occupations. Therefore, it is essential that the professional strictly performs the authorized functions, respecting the limits defined in their visa.

Working outside the approved activities can pose significant risks to your immigration status. Firstly, deviating from the job description that was evaluated and approved may cause you to be considered non-compliant with the visa terms. This non-compliance can result in problems during future renewals or status changes and, in some cases, can negatively impact adjustment of status requests or applications for other visas in the future.

Another important point is that if the immigration authority perceives that the professional is engaging in unauthorized activities, this may lead to questions regarding the original intent of entry into the country and even initiate removal or deportation processes. Furthermore, both the professional and the employer may face legal complications, as companies are also responsible for ensuring that the performed functions comply with the granted visa regulations.

For this reason, it is crucial to strictly follow the United States immigration laws. If there is interest in performing additional activities or a change in job responsibilities, it is highly recommended to seek specialized guidance and, if necessary, make the appropriate status adjustment before starting any activity that was not originally foreseen. This way, mistakes or, worse, situations that may be interpreted as attempts to circumvent immigration law are avoided.

In short, staying within the limits authorized by the TN visa is essential to guarantee peace of mind and security in your professional and immigration journey. If there are doubts about the scope of your functions, the best course of action is always to consult specialized and reliable sources, thus avoiding unnecessary risks and future harm.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.