Are you a Canadian or Mexican professional planning to work in the United States? The TN visa offers eligible professionals a pathway to temporary U.S. employment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly known as NAFTA.
Our TN visa services help professionals and employers understand eligibility requirements, qualifying occupations, employment documentation, and application procedures. Whether you are seeking a new professional opportunity, planning to work for a U.S. employer, or looking to extend your existing TN status, understanding the applicable requirements is essential.
We provide guidance on the TN visa process to help eligible applicants prepare the documentation relevant to their employment and professional qualifications.
Temporary U.S. employment for qualifying Canadian and Mexican professionals.
TN Visa Explained
The TN visa, also known as the USMCA professional visa, is a U.S. nonimmigrant classification that allows eligible Canadian and Mexican citizens to work temporarily in qualifying professional occupations in the United States.
The TN category is available only to citizens of Canada and Mexico, not simply to permanent residents of those countries. Applicants must have a qualifying professional role, meet the specific educational or experience requirements for that occupation, and have a prearranged position with a qualifying employer.
Unlike some employment-based visa categories, the TN classification does not use an annual numerical cap. However, applicants must still satisfy all applicable eligibility and documentation requirements.
USMCA Professional Support
Understanding your eligibility is the first step toward applying for TN status. We help applicants review their citizenship, professional qualifications, proposed job duties, and the requirements associated with the relevant occupation.
The TN application process differs for Canadian and Mexican citizens. We help applicants understand the applicable procedures, organize supporting documentation, and prepare for the relevant application or admission process.
A detailed employer letter is an important part of a TN application. It should explain the professional position, job responsibilities, purpose of employment, expected duration, compensation arrangements, and other relevant details. We help applicants understand the information generally needed to demonstrate that the proposed position qualifies.
Canadian citizens generally do not need a TN visa stamp from a U.S. consulate. They may apply for TN admission at an eligible U.S. port of entry or designated preclearance location by presenting the required documentation. In certain cases, an employer may file a petition with USCIS.
We help Canadian professionals understand the applicable application route and the documents needed to demonstrate their eligibility.
Mexican citizens generally must obtain a TN visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate before seeking admission to the United States in TN status. The application typically requires evidence of citizenship, a qualifying professional position, and the necessary educational or professional credentials.
We help Mexican professionals understand the application process and prepare the supporting documentation relevant to their cases.
Eligible professionals may seek an extension of TN status through the appropriate process. The requirements depend on the applicant's current immigration status, employment circumstances, and intended period of stay.
We help clients understand extension procedures, employer documentation, and the steps involved in continuing qualifying employment.
TN professionals considering a new employer must follow the applicable immigration procedures before beginning employment with the new organization. The appropriate process depends on the individual's circumstances and the proposed position.
We help professionals understand the relevant requirements and documentation associated with changing employers while maintaining valid immigration status.
If an application encounters questions or is denied, the available options depend on the circumstances and the applicable process. We help clients understand the issues identified and determine what further steps may be appropriate.
USMCA Professional Eligibility
To qualify for TN status, applicants generally must meet the following requirements:
Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
Have a job in an occupation listed under the applicable USMCA professional categories.
Have a prearranged full-time or part-time professional position with a qualifying employer or entity.
Meet the specific educational, licensing, or experience requirements applicable to the profession.
Demonstrate that the proposed duties correspond to the qualifying professional occupation.
Provide supporting documentation, including an appropriate employer letter and evidence of professional qualifications.
Meet the applicable requirements for temporary admission and immigration status.
Self-employment does not qualify for TN classification. The availability of TN status depends on the actual job duties and the specific requirements of the listed profession, not simply the applicant's job title.
Six-Step Application Path
Review your citizenship, professional qualifications, proposed occupation, and employment arrangements to determine whether the TN category may be appropriate.
Obtain a prearranged professional position with a qualifying employer. The job duties must correspond to an occupation covered by the USMCA professional list.
Gather your passport, educational credentials, professional licenses where relevant, employment records, and a detailed employer support letter.
Canadian citizens generally apply for TN admission through an eligible port of entry or designated preclearance location, while Mexican citizens generally apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Other procedures may apply in certain circumstances.
Depending on the application route, you may need to attend a consular interview or present your supporting documents to U.S. Customs and Border Protection when seeking admission.
After admission, comply with the conditions of TN status, including the authorized period of stay and the employment terms associated with the qualifying position. Follow the applicable procedures for extensions or changes in employment.
USMCA Professional Categories
The USMCA includes a defined list of professional occupations with specific qualification requirements. Examples include:
Accountants
Engineers
Scientists
Pharmacists
Lawyers
Teachers
Certain medical and healthcare professionals
Certain management and technical consultants
Not every professional occupation qualifies. Applicants must satisfy the specific requirements listed for their profession, and the proposed U.S. job must involve qualifying professional activities.
Professional Mobility
The TN visa may offer eligible Canadian and Mexican professionals an opportunity to pursue temporary employment in the United States.
Potential benefits include:
Access to qualifying professional employment opportunities in the U.S.
Initial periods of admission of up to three years, subject to approval.
The possibility of applying for extensions when eligible.
Availability for qualifying full-time or part-time professional employment.
No annual numerical cap on TN classification.
Eligibility for a spouse and unmarried children under 21 to seek TD dependent status.
TD dependents may generally study in the United States but are not authorized to work solely on the basis of TD status.
Navigating U.S. employment immigration requirements can be challenging, particularly when determining whether a job matches a listed profession or understanding the documentation required for an application.
Our TN visa services help professionals and employers understand eligibility criteria, organize supporting evidence, and navigate the relevant application procedures. Whether you are a Canadian professional exploring U.S. employment or a Mexican professional preparing a TN visa application, we can help you understand the requirements and potential next steps.
Contact us to discuss your TN visa needs and learn more about the available assistance.
Explore our Business & Immigration Services for additional information about U.S. immigration options for employers and professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canadian and Mexican citizens may qualify if they have a prearranged professional position in an eligible USMCA occupation and meet the applicable education, experience, and other requirements.
Canadian citizens generally do not need a TN visa stamp from a U.S. consulate. They may apply for TN admission through an eligible port of entry or designated preclearance location, subject to applicable requirements.
Yes. Mexican citizens generally must obtain a TN visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate before seeking admission in TN status.
TN professionals may generally be admitted for an initial period of up to three years. Extensions may be available if the individual continues to meet the applicable requirements.
A TN professional may be able to change employers, but the appropriate immigration process must be followed before beginning the new employment. The requirements depend on the individual's circumstances.
Generally, no. TN classification requires a prearranged professional position. Applicants must demonstrate the qualifying employment arrangement and provide the relevant supporting documentation.
Remote work arrangements require careful review of the actual employment relationship, work activities, and immigration requirements. Applicants should not assume that every remote or independent contracting arrangement qualifies for TN status.
A spouse may qualify for TD dependent status. However, TD status alone does not authorize employment in the United States. Separate work authorization would be required if the spouse wishes to work.
TN status is a temporary nonimmigrant classification and does not itself grant permanent residence. A TN professional may explore a separate green card pathway if eligible, but immigrant intent and future immigration plans should be assessed carefully.
Documents may include proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship, an employer letter, educational credentials, professional licenses where relevant, and evidence of qualifications and employment arrangements. Additional documents may be required depending on the occupation and application route.
