TN Visa
A fast-track work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA trade agreement.
About This Visa
The TN visa was created under NAFTA (now USMCA) to enable Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the United States in designated professional occupations. It covers 63 professional categories and offers a streamlined alternative to the H-1B.
There is no annual cap and no lottery. Canadians can be processed at a U.S. port of entry on the same day. TN status is granted for up to 3 years at a time, renewable indefinitely in 3-year increments.
The TN visa is less burdensome for employers than the H-1B—there is no requirement to demonstrate efforts to hire U.S. workers and no Labor Condition Application is required.
No cap, no lottery, and same-day processing for Canadians—the TN visa is the fastest path to U.S. employment for USMCA professionals.
Who Qualifies for a TN Visa?
63 professional occupations are eligible, including engineers, professors, computer systems analysts, graphic designers, management consultants, research assistants, nurses, and many more.
Canadian or Mexican citizenship
Qualifying professional occupation on the USMCA/NAFTA list of 63 professions
Bachelor's degree or licenciatura (or post-secondary diploma plus 3 years of relevant experience for certain occupations)
Job offer from a U.S. employer matching a listed profession
The TN Process
Job Offer & Documentation
Obtain a detailed job offer letter from a U.S. employer specifying the TN-eligible profession, duties, duration, and compensation.
Application
Canadians apply directly at a U.S. port of entry (land border or airport)—often processed the same day. Mexicans apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico.
Present Qualifications
Provide proof of qualifications: degree, diplomas, transcripts, experience letters from employers, and professional licenses if applicable.
Begin Work
Upon approval, enter the U.S. and begin work for your sponsoring employer in the approved TN profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
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