TN Visa: NAFTA Professional (Canada/Mexico)
Empowering North American Professionals to Work in the U.S.
The TN visa is a special nonimmigrant work visa created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) — formerly NAFTA — designed to make it faster and easier for qualified professionals from Canada and Mexico to work temporarily in the United States.
It’s a trusted option for U.S. employers who want to hire highly skilled talent from North America without the delays, lottery caps, or labor certifications required by other work visas.
What Is the TN Visa?
The TN visa allows eligible Canadian and Mexican citizens to accept professional-level positions in the U.S. that fall under a defined list of approved occupations. The job must require at least a bachelor’s degree or specific professional credentials, and the worker must prove they have the right qualifications.
The TN visa is for temporary employment only, but there is no maximum number of renewals — it can be extended as long as the employment remains temporary.
Who Qualifies for a TN Visa?
For the Employer:
✅ Must offer a position that matches a recognized TN occupation under USMCA.
✅ Must provide a detailed offer letter outlining the duties, length of employment, pay, and how the role qualifies as a professional-level position.
For the Employee:
✅ Must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents do not qualify).
✅ Must have the specific degree or credentials required for the occupation.
✅ Must intend to work in the U.S. temporarily and only in the offered role.
Examples of TN-Eligible Professions
✅ Accountants
✅ Engineers
✅ Computer Systems Analysts
✅ Scientists (biologists, chemists, physicists)
✅ Lawyers
✅ Teachers and Professors at colleges or universities
✅ Registered Nurses, Dentists, Veterinarians
✅ Management Consultants
✅ Technical Writers
✅ Urban Planners
✅ Graphic Designers
There are over 60 professions listed under the agreement. Each has clear requirements for education and credentials.
Key Benefits of the TN Visa
✅ Valid for up to three years at a time, with unlimited renewals if employment remains temporary.
✅ No annual cap or lottery — faster and more predictable than an H-1B.
✅ Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany the TN worker under TD dependent status. (TD spouses and children cannot work but can study.)
✅ Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border — no petition or prior visa appointment required in most cases.
How to Apply for the TN Visa
Canadian Citizens:
✅ Do not need a visa stamp at a U.S. consulate.
✅ May apply directly at a U.S. port of entry or pre-clearance airport with:
✅ Valid passport
✅ Offer letter from the U.S. employer
✅ Proof of professional qualifications (degrees, transcripts, licenses)
✅ Evidence of Canadian citizenship
✅ If approved, TN status is granted immediately at the border.
Mexican Citizens:
✅ Must first apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico.
✅ Once approved, they present the visa at a U.S. port of entry for admission as a TN professional.
Change of Status:
✅ Employers can file Form I-129 with USCIS to change to TN status or extend TN status for an eligible worker already in the U.S.
Typical Uses for the TN Visa
✅ Cross-border professional projects or assignments.
✅ Short-term placements for Canadian or Mexican staff in U.S. offices.
✅ Academic or research positions at U.S. universities.
✅ Consulting or advisory roles that match TN-approved categories.
How USCIS Expert Supports TN Visas
The TN visa process is straightforward, but denials can happen due to vague job offers, incorrect occupational matches, or missing evidence. Our team helps employers and applicants:
✅ Confirm that the position qualifies under the USMCA list.
✅ Draft a detailed and clear offer letter to satisfy immigration officials.
✅ Collect and organize all required degrees, licenses, and credentials.
✅ Prepare Canadian professionals for the port-of-entry interview.
✅ Guide Mexican professionals through the consular application process.
✅ Handle extensions and changes of status when needed.
Bring North American Talent to Your U.S. Team
The TN visa is one of the most practical ways to strengthen your workforce with skilled professionals from Canada or Mexico — without the unpredictability of other work visa categories. USCIS Expert is here to make the process smooth, fast, and compliant.
Contact us today to find out how the TN visa can support your hiring needs and connect your company with exceptional North American talent.