The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—which replaced NAFTA—makes it easier for certain professionals from Canada and Mexico to live and work in the United States. The TN visa is a key part of this agreement, allowing qualified individuals to work in the US in specific professional roles.
At Remitly, we understand how complex the visa application process can be. This guide aims to simplify the TN visa process for USMCA professionals, helping you kickstart and grow your career in the US.
What is a TN visa?
A TN visa is a nonimmigrant visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals to temporarily enter, work, and stay in the US for business purposes. You’ll find an extensive list of eligible professionals in Chapter 16 of the USMCA, Annex 16-A, appendices one and two.
USMCA professional visa validity, renewal, and fees
The TN visa is valid for a maximum of an initial three-year stay in the US. It is renewable indefinitely in three-year increments, provided you continue to meet requirements and intend to return to your country once your engagement in the US is completed.
TN visa application fees vary depending on the application route. Port-of-entry applicants typically pay a fee of $50 USD while the consular route costs $185 USD.
Key benefits of TN visa
TN visa holders enjoy unique benefits that make the TN visa attractive.
- Unlike most work visas, there’s no annual cap on TN visas issued.
- NAFTA (now USMCA) professionals enjoy smooth cross-border employment.
- Dependents (legal spouse and unmarried children under age 21) can join the primary TN visa holder by obtaining a TD visa. Dependents are not allowed to work in the country but may study full-time or part-time.
- TN visa applicants enjoy faster processing times compared to other visas.
- Canadian citizens don’t need prior approval from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Canadians can obtain the visa directly at the point of entry.
- The visa covers a wider range of professions.
TN visa processing time for Canadian and Mexican citizens
The TN processing time is typically fast compared to other work visas. Canadians enjoy faster processing in some instances, as highlighted in the table below.
| Method of processing | Citizenship | Processing time |
| Port of Entry (PoE) | Canadian | Same day |
| US consulate | Mexican | One to four weeks |
| USCIS (via form I-129) | Canadian & Mexican | Two to six months
15 days if you pay for premium processing ($2,805 USD) |
TN visa requirements and eligible professions
The TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican professionals listed in the USMCA. Eligible professions include tour and travel agents, translators, accountants, architects, foresters, lawyers, and management consultants.
To be eligible for a TN visa, you must fit the following criteria:
- Be a Mexican or Canadian citizen.
- Receive a job offer from a US-based employer in a qualified profession listed under the USMCA/NAFTA agreement.
- Possess the appropriate qualifications or credentials for the profession (e.g., degrees and licenses).
Required documents for the TN visa application
To apply, ensure that you have these mandatory documents:
- Proof of citizenship (e.g., your Canadian or Mexican passport).
- Letter of employment offer, including details about the job role, duration (three years maximum), and salary.
- TN support letter from the employer. This can be combined with the job offer.
- Credentials demonstrating eligibility and qualification for the profession (e.g., diplomas and certifications).
The TN visa application process: Step-by-step guide
Visa applications can be stressful, confusing, and overwhelming, especially when the procedures are unique to certain groups. Although the TN visa applies to both Canadian and Mexican citizens, the application process is different.
TN visa application process for Canadians
Canadians can apply for the TN visa in two ways:
Option 1: At a US port of entry
This is the most common and fastest way to get a TN visa.
- Confirm your eligibility for the TN visa; for example, have a job offer in the US in a USMCA-approved profession.
- Gather required documents, e.g., a valid passport, job offer letter, employer support letter, and credentials. You can attach a credential evaluation if your degree is from a non-Canadian/US university or college.
- Travel to a US port of entry (land or preclearance airport)
- Apply directly by requesting TN status during the standard immigration inspection. Present your documents to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. They may interview you about the job, qualifications, and your intention to return to Canada.
- Pay the application fee and complete the inspection process.
- If you’re successful, you’ll receive TN approval and an I-94 card (digital or printed) showing your authorized stay in the US for up to three years.
- You can start working immediately upon entering the US.
Option 2: Apply via USCIS (Form I-129) for in-country extensions or change of employer
You may also apply for a TN visa while living in the States under a different visa.
- Ensure you’re eligible for the TN visa.
- Your employer files form I-129 with the USCIS. The application must include an employer support letter, proof of your qualifications, prior TN documentation (if you’ve applied before), and a filing fee.
- Wait for approval of the form I-129. It may take up to six months for regular processing, or 15 days when you pay for premium processing. The USCIS refunds the money if you don’t receive a response in 15 days.
- Once approved, you’ll receive a new I-797 approval notice and I-94.
- Begin your new job or extend your stay in the country.
TN visa application process for Mexicans
Mexicans follow a slightly different path than Canadians.
- Confirm that you’re eligible for a TN visa and you’ve received a job offer for a USMCA-approved profession.
- Gather the required documentation for the TN visa application such as a valid passport with a validity period of six months beyond your stay in the US, proof of qualifications, a job offer letter, and a photo meeting US visa photo guidelines.
- Complete form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) on the online portal and print the DS-160 confirmation page.
- Pay the nonrefundable visa application fee.
- Schedule an interview at the US consulate in Mexico, e.g., in Mexico City or Guadalajara.
- Attend the visa interview, bringing along documentation to support your application, including the visa payment receipt.
- Track the status of your application.
- Once approved, you’ll receive an I-94 record showing your TN status. You may enter the US and begin working legally.
Most applicants complete the process in about four weeks.
Extending your TN visa
To seek an extension of the visa while still in the US, your employer must file form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) on your behalf. This is mandatory for both Mexican and Canadian citizens.
If you wish to apply for a TN visa extension from outside the US, there are different procedures depending on where you are from.
Canadian citizens can apply at a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)-designated US port of entry or a designated pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station. If approved, you’ll receive a new I-94 record indicating your extended TN status.
Mexican citizens reapply through the embassy or consulate. In both cases, you’ll adhere to the same TN application procedures you followed during your initial TN visa application.
It is advisable to begin the renewal process at least six months prior to the TN visa expiration in order to gather the required documentation and leave ample time for any potential delays.
Common challenges NAFTA professional visa applicants face
Although the TN visa application seems simple, TN visa applicants still face problems. We’ll highlight a few of them and potential solutions.
Misunderstanding which professions qualify under NAFTA
The USMCA has a detailed list of professions that qualify under the agreement. Refer to this list to determine your eligibility.
Insufficient documentation and incomplete employer letter
Your application must be supported by the job offer letter and employer support letter. Ensure that the letters contain specific, verifiable details of the position such as:
- Employer information, e.g., company name and address, contact person’s name, title, phone, and email. A company letterhead is strongly recommended.
- Your details such as full legal name and citizenship.
- Job title and TN classification
- Detailed job description
- Duration of employment
- Salary and work location
- Non-immigration intent
- Qualifications
- Signature from a company representative
Wishing you a smooth TN visa application process!
The TN visa is one of the most accessible work visas for qualified professionals from Canada and Mexico. With faster processing, lower costs, and no annual cap, it offers a streamlined path to work in the US.
Depending on your situation, you may apply at the consulate or port of entry. Once approved, adhere to all TN visa requirements and maintain your intention to return home.
We wish you all the best as you move to the US to start a new chapter in your career.
FAQs
Who is eligible for a TN visa?
Mexican and Canadian citizens qualified to work in professions listed by the USMCA.
Can TN Visa holders bring dependents to the US?
Yes. Dependents of TN visa holders must apply for a TD visa. Dependents aren’t allowed to work in the US but can study part-time or full-time.
What happens if the TN visa expires while working?
You will be considered out of status, meaning you’ll be illegally working in the US. This violates US immigration law, risking future visa or green card application denial and even removal (deportation) if encountered by immigration enforcement, as well as possible bans from re-entry (three or ten years) if you overstay significantly.
If you overstay for whatever reason, don’t panic. You have a ten-day grace period to leave the US and reapply at the port of entry or consulate. If this happens, you must stop working immediately until you renew your status. To be sure, consider checking the conditions on your I-94.
You may also enjoy a 60-day grace period in case your contract ends or you’re laid off before your TN visa expires. During this time, you may find a new employer, prepare to leave the US, or file for a change of status.
Are there any restrictions on TN visa professions?
Yes. Only professions listed in the USMCA Appendix 2 of Chapter 16 qualify. You must also meet the minimum education or licensing requirements (experience alone doesn’t suffice), your duties must match the TN profession, you can’t be self-employed, and the employment is strictly temporary.
How long does it take to get a TN visa approved?
TN visa approval times depend on the route you take. Only Canadians enjoy same-day processing because they can apply at the port of entry.
Mexicans and Canadians using the consular route should expect to wait for up to four weeks for regular processing, and 15 days for premium processing.
Both nationalities will wait for up to six months if applying for a visa change or extension of status with the USCIS.