Applying for the
‍TN Visa in the US?

The TN Visa is a U.S. work visa created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA). It allows Canadian and Mexican professionals in certain occupations to work in the U.S. for a U.S. employer, usually in renewable 3-year increments.

Canadian and Mexican citizens with job offers in designated professional occupations such as engineers, teachers, scientists, healthcare workers, accountants, and consultants qualify for a TN Visa, provided they meet the required educational or licensing standards.

USMCA lists more than 60 professions eligible for TN Visa status, including engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, economists, accountants, and medical professionals. Each profession has specific degree or credential requirements that must be met.

A TN Visa is initially valid for up to three years and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the underlying employment relationship remains valid and you continue to meet eligibility requirements.

Yes, the TN Visa can be extended in three-year increments. Extensions require proof that the employment relationship is still valid and that the applicant continues to qualify for the TN classification.

The TN Visa itself is temporary and does not directly lead to a green card. However, many professionals transition from TN to H-1B or pursue employer-sponsored green cards through EB-2 or EB-3 categories. Strategic planning with an immigration lawyer can make the transition smoother.

The TN Visa is limited to Canadian and Mexican citizens and does not require a lottery, while the H-1B Visa is open to all foreign nationals but capped and lottery-based. TNs are generally faster and less expensive to obtain but do not have dual intent like the H-1B.

Yes, applicants must have a U.S. job offer in a qualifying professional field. The employer must provide a detailed letter outlining the job, duties, and qualifications that match the USMCA professional list.

It’s possible to apply on your own, but using an experienced immigration lawyer increases approval chances by ensuring documentation is complete, accurate, and persuasive, minimizing risks of denial or delays.

Yes, Canadian citizens can apply directly at a U.S. port of entry or pre-clearance airport with the required documents, often receiving TN status the same day.

Mexican citizens must apply at a U.S. consulate to obtain a TN Visa stamp in their passport before entering the United States. Once approved, they can work in the U.S. under TN status.

Yes, dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21) are eligible for TD status. TD holders can study in the U.S. but cannot work.

Yes, but you must file a new TN application with the new employer. You cannot simply switch jobs without updating your TN status.

Yes, but you must obtain separate TN approvals for each employer, and each role must qualify under USMCA’s eligible professions.

Government filing fees for a TN Visa typically range from $160 for consular applications to around $460 for USCIS filings. Additional legal fees depend on the complexity of the case.

Denials often result from insufficient documentation, job positions not fitting the USMCA professional list, lack of proper credentials, or suspicion of immigrant intent.

TN holders may study part-time while working, but the primary purpose of their stay must remain employment in the qualifying professional role.

No, the TN Visa requires sponsorship by a U.S. employer. Self-employment or running your own business in the U.S. is not permitted under TN status.

Yes, TN Visa holders can travel in and out of the U.S. freely as long as their visa and passport remain valid and their employment continues.

If denied, you must stop working immediately and either leave the U.S. or pursue an alternative immigration option. Consulting a lawyer immediately is critical to avoid accruing unlawful presence.