Overview
The TN visa (formerly the NAFTA professional visa) allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the United States in specific professional occupations under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement). The TN is not subject to an annual cap and requires no lottery. Each grant of TN status is valid for up to 3 years, and renewals are unlimited (there is no cumulative time limit). TN covers over 60 professional occupations listed in the USMCA appendix, including accountants, engineers, scientists, lawyers, architects, and healthcare professionals. Canadian citizens may apply for TN status directly at a port of entry or preclearance airport, making the process exceptionally streamlined. Mexican citizens must first obtain a TN visa at a U.S. consulate. Self-employment does not qualify under TN.
Eligibility Requirements
- The applicant must be a Canadian or Mexican citizen
- The position must be one of the professional occupations listed in the USMCA appendix (over 60 professions)
- The applicant must possess the qualifications required for the profession (typically a bachelor's degree or higher)
- Prearranged employment with a U.S. employer is required
- The work must be at a professional level, either full-time or part-time
- Self-employment does not qualify
- Common qualifying professions include: accountants, engineers, scientists, architects, lawyers, pharmacists, management consultants, teachers, etc.
Application Process
Confirm Professional Eligibility
Verify that the applicant's profession is listed in the USMCA appendix and that the applicant holds the required qualifications.
Obtain Employer Support Letter
The U.S. employer provides a detailed support letter specifying the job title, duties, compensation, duration of employment, and the applicant's qualifications.
Apply at Port of Entry (Canadian Citizens)
Canadian citizens may apply for TN status directly with a CBP officer at a U.S. port of entry or preclearance airport — no prior visa or I-129 filing is required. Bring passport, employer support letter, and credential documents.
Apply for Visa (Mexican Citizens)
Mexican citizens must first attend a consular interview to obtain a TN visa, then use the visa to enter the United States.
Renewal / Extension
If in the U.S., the employer may file Form I-129 with USCIS to extend TN status (up to 3 years per extension). Canadian citizens may also choose to leave and re-apply at a port of entry.
Timeline Reference
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation | 1-2 weeks |
| Port of Entry Application (Canadian) | Same-day approval |
| Consular Interview (Mexican) | 1-4 weeks |
| USCIS Extension (I-129) | 2-4 months |
| Each Grant Period | Up to 3 years |
| Cumulative Stay Limit | No limit (indefinitely renewable) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between TN and H-1B?
TN is available only to Canadian and Mexican citizens; H-1B has no nationality restriction. TN has no annual cap and no lottery; H-1B has an 85,000 annual cap requiring lottery selection. TN can be renewed indefinitely with no cumulative time limit; H-1B has a 6-year maximum (unless a green card process is underway). TN covers only the 60+ professions listed in USMCA; H-1B covers a broader range of specialty occupations. Canadian TN applicants can be approved the same day at a port of entry, making the process extremely efficient. TN fees are significantly lower than H-1B.
How long does it take for a Canadian citizen to get TN?
Canadian citizens may apply for TN status directly with a CBP officer at a U.S. port of entry or preclearance airport and receive same-day approval. The entire process typically takes less than 1 hour. No prior USCIS filing or waiting period is required. This is one of the greatest advantages of the TN visa. Simply bring a Canadian passport, employer support letter, and credential documentation.
Can TN lead to a green card?
TN is a nonimmigrant visa that does not directly lead to a green card. However, TN holders may pursue permanent residence through other pathways, such as employer-sponsored PERM/EB-2/EB-3 or EB-1A/NIW. Note that TN requires "nonimmigrant intent," so USCIS or CBP may deny a TN renewal if the applicant demonstrates clear immigrant intent. Strategically, many TN holders transition to H-1B (which allows "dual intent") before their green card is finalized.
TN prohibits self-employment — can I work for my own company?
Self-employment is not permitted under TN. The visa requires prearranged employment with a U.S. employer and a bona fide employer-employee relationship. If the applicant owns and is the sole employee of a company, this would be considered self-employment and would not qualify. However, if the company has independent management and other employees, and a genuine employment relationship exists, it may qualify. This is a gray area in practice — consulting an attorney is recommended.
What status do TN dependents receive?
The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of TN holders receive TD (Treaty Dependent) status. TD holders may reside legally in the United States and attend school. TD spouses may not work (TD is not eligible for an EAD). TD dependents need not be the same nationality as the TN holder. TD status validity matches the TN holder's period of stay, up to 3 years, and is renewed when the TN is extended.
What professions are on the USMCA list?
Key professions include: accountants, architects, engineers (various), scientists (various), pharmacists, physicians, dentists, registered nurses, medical technologists, mathematicians/statisticians, lawyers, economists, social workers, psychologists, librarians, management consultants, hotel managers, teachers (college/university/seminary), computer systems analysts, disaster relief insurance claims adjusters, landscape architects, dietitians, technical publications writers, and over 60 others. Each profession has specific educational or credential requirements.
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