The TN visa, created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), provides a valuable pathway for Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in the United States. This nonimmigrant classification is designed to promote economic and trade relationships while ensuring that highly skilled professionals can contribute to U.S. industries at a professional level.
Below, we explain the eligibility criteria, application process, and family considerations for foreign nationals seeking TN visa status.
Eligibility for Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens benefit from a streamlined process for TN entry. Unlike most visa categories, a formal visa stamp is not required. Instead, applicants may present the required documentation directly to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at designated ports of entry or pre-clearance stations.
Required documentation includes:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship;
- A letter from the U.S. employer specifying the job role, purpose of employment, duration of stay, and professional qualifications;
- Credentials evaluation (if applicable);
- Applicable inspection fees.
Alternatively, U.S. employers may file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Upon approval, Canadian professionals present the USCIS approval notice and supporting evidence to CBP to seek admission.
Eligibility for Mexican Citizens
Mexican citizens must first obtain a TN visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in Mexico. After approval, they may seek entry at designated CBP ports of entry or pre-clearance stations. Required documentation includes proof of Mexican citizenship and the approved TN visa.
Period of Stay and Extensions
- Initial admission: Up to three years.
- Extensions: Employers may file Form I-129 with USCIS while the professional is in the U.S. Alternatively, applicants may depart and reapply at a CBP-designated port of entry using the same procedures as the initial application.
Family Members: TD Status
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may apply for TD nonimmigrant status to accompany or join the TN visa holder. Important considerations include:
- Dependents may study in the U.S. but are not permitted to work.
- TD status duration cannot exceed that of the principal TN visa holder.
- Extensions of TD status may be filed alongside the principal’s extension request.
Why the TN Visa Matters
The TN visa offers a flexible, renewable option for professionals in over 60 designated occupations, ranging from engineers and scientists to medical professionals and educators. With its initial three-year duration and renewable nature, the TN visa remains one of the most efficient temporary work options available under U.S. immigration law.
