TN Visa Explained

If you're a Canadian or Mexican professional considering work opportunities in the United States, the TN visa might be your pathway to temporary U.S. employment. This guide explains what it is, who qualifies, and how to apply.

What Is the TN Visa?

The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa category that allows qualified Canadian citizens and Mexican citizens to work temporarily in the United States in designated professional occupations. Created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and continued under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), this visa classification facilitates cross-border professional activities between these three countries.

The TN classification specifically serves professionals working at a professional level in occupations listed in the USMCA agreement. TN status requires “temporary intent”, meaning you must demonstrate plans to return to your home country when your authorized stay ends. This differs from dual intent visas like the H-1B, and makes pursuing permanent residence while on TN status more complicated.

The Department of Homeland Security, through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), administers the TN program alongside consular processing through the Department of State for Mexican applicants.

Eligibility Requirements for the TN Visa

Citizenship Requirements

TN status is available exclusively to citizens of Canada or Mexico. Permanent residents of these countries do not qualify. You must hold full citizenship as documented by a valid passport from either nation.

Designated TN Professions

Your position must fall under one of approximately 60 professional occupations listed in USMCA Annex 16-A. Common TN professions include:

• Accountant
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Engineer (various specializations)
• Graphic Designer
• Management Consultant
• Pharmacist
• Research Assistant
• Scientist
• University Professor
• Veterinarian
• Scientific Technologist

Each profession has specific educational or licensing requirements. The complete list is available in the USMCA text and USCIS TN guidance.

Educational and Professional Qualifications

You must meet the specific qualifications listed for your TN profession. Most require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, though some accept post-secondary diplomas combined with relevant experience. For healthcare professionals requiring patient care, you'll need appropriate professional licenses.

The key requirement is alignment. Your education, experience, and credentials must directly relate to both the TN profession you're claiming and the job duties you'll perform.

Job Offer Requirements

You need a bona fide job offer from a U.S. employer for temporary employment (up to three years). The offered position must genuinely require a professional listed under the USMCA professions list — meaning the role’s duties demand specialized knowledge and degree-level expertise. Employment must be full‑time or part‑time business activities at the professional level. Self‑employment doesn’t qualify; a U.S. entity must engage your services.

Application Process for the TN Visa

The application process varies significantly between Canadian and Mexican citizens due to different visa requirements.

For Canadian Citizens

Citizens of Canada enjoy visa-exempt status and can apply directly at a U.S. port of entry or designated pre-clearance inspection station.

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Canadian citizens also have the option to file in advance through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A prospective U.S. employer may submit Form I‑129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) requesting TN classification before you travel. Once approved, you can present the USCIS approval notice at the port of entry to request admission in TN status. This option is often used when an employer prefers a written USCIS approval for internal records or when timing and HR compliance policies require advance confirmation.

Required Documentation:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship (passport)
• Detailed letter from your U.S. employer describing your professional capacity, employment purpose, length of stay, and educational qualifications
• Evidence of your qualifications (diplomas, transcripts, professional licenses)
• Applicable CBP inspection fees

Process: Present your documentation to a CBP officer at the port of entry. If the officer finds you eligible, you'll be admitted in TN status immediately.

For Mexican Citizens

Mexican professionals must obtain a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling.

Process:

1. Complete Form DS-160 (non-immigrant visa application)
2. Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate in Mexico
3. Pay the required non-immigrant visa fee
4. Present the required documentation and undergo the interview
5. If approved, receive your TN visa stamp
6. Apply for admission at a U.S. port of entry using your visa

Change of Status from Within the U.S.

If you're already in the United States in another non-immigrant status, your employer can file Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS to change your status to TN classification. This process includes a filing fee and optional premium processing, which guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days.

Duration and Extensions for the TN Visa

Initial admission is typically up to three years. Extensions are granted in three-year increments and may be granted repeatedly while eligibility continues.

Extension Options:

• Your employer files Form I-129 with USCIS while you remain in the U.S.
• Canadian citizens can reapply at a port of entry before their status expires
• Processing times vary, so plan extension filings well before your expiration date

Grace Periods: You may receive up to 10 days upon admission to prepare for your employment start, though you cannot work until your official start date.

TN Visa Fees and Costs

Note: Fees are subject to change. Check current rates on USCIS, CBP, and Department of State websites.

Unlike H-1B petitions, TN applications don't require Labor Condition Applications or prevailing wage attestations. Employers aren't required to pay specific fees on behalf of TN workers under immigration law, though many cover application costs as part of the hiring process.

Bringing Dependants on Your TN Visa With TD Status

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you on your TN Visa in TD (Trade Dependent) status.

TD Rights and Restrictions:

• TD status grants the right to live and study in the United States
• Dependants cannot work (no employment authorization available)
• The dependant’s TD status duration matches the principal TN worker's authorized stay

Application Process:

• Canadians apply at a port of entry with proof of relationship
• Mexicans must apply for TD visas at U.S. consulates before travel

Comparing the TN vs. H-1B vs. H-1B1 Visas

TN Visa Evaluation Criteria and Compliance Requirements

Profession Qualification: Your role must match an approved USMCA occupation with specific duties that require professional-level expertise.

Degree and Job-Match Verification: Your educational credentials must directly relate to your TN profession and proposed job duties.

Employer Compliance: Your employer must provide a detailed offer letter with terms consistent with TN eligibility requirements and maintain accurate employment records.

Fee and Documentation Accuracy: All filings, payments, and supporting evidence must align with current CBP and USCIS guidance.

TN Visa Required Documentation Checklist

• Valid passport proving Canadian or Mexican citizenship
• Employer support letter detailing role, duties, duration, and professional classification
• Educational credentials (diplomas, transcripts)
• Professional licenses (if required for your field)
• Form I-129 receipt notice (if filing through USCIS)
• Applicable fees paid or ready for payment

Maintaining TN Status and Compliance

Employment Restrictions: You can only work for the employer and in the capacity specified in your TN approval. Changing employers requires a new TN application or petition.

Travel: You can travel internationally and return with proper documentation (valid passport, TN approval documents, and any required visa stamps).

Temporary Intent: You must maintain temporary intent throughout your stay. Starting a green card process can raise questions about your intent and affect future TN renewals.

Record Keeping: Keep copies of all TN documentation, employer letters, and approval notices. Bring your originals with you to any port of entry applications.

Path to Permanent Residence With a TN Visa

TN status does not support dual intent. However, you may pursue permanent residence through other channels:

• Employment-based green card categories (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3)
• Family-based petitions, if eligible
• Investment-based categories

Important: Filing for a green card while in TN status can complicate renewals, as immigration officers may question your temporary intent. Consult with an immigration attorney when considering permanent residence options while maintaining TN status.

How Lighthouse Supports TN Applications

Lighthouse streamlines the TN visa process for both professionals and employers. Our platform determines whether your position qualifies under USMCA professional categories, ensures your credentials align with TN requirements, and prepares compliant employer support letters that meet CBP and USCIS expectations.

For example, let’s say a Canadian software engineer with a bachelor's in computer science receives a full-time offer from a U.S. startup. Lighthouse can help verify the role qualifies as "Computer Systems Analyst," draft the employer letter to CBP standards, and provide a document checklist for the port-of-entry application.

TN cases represent some of the fastest employment-based immigration processes we handle, often completed within days for port-of-entry applications. Start your TN visa assessment with Lighthouse now, and take the first step on the path to working in the United States.

TN Visa FAQs

What is a TN visa and who qualifies?

The TN is a temporary work classification under USMCA, allowing Canadian citizens and Mexican citizens in designated professional occupations to work for U.S. employers. You need citizenship from Canada or Mexico, qualifications in an approved TN profession, and a job offer from a U.S. entity.

Does the TN visa require employer sponsorship?

TN status doesn't require the formal sponsorship process needed for H-1B visas. However, you must have a genuine job offer, and your employer must provide detailed documentation supporting your application.

How long can I stay on TN status?

Initial grants last up to three years, renewable indefinitely in three-year increments as long as you maintain temporary intent and qualifying employment.

Can TN visa holders apply for a green card?

Yes, but it's complicated. TN status requires temporary intent, so starting a permanent residence process can affect future TN renewals.

What happens if I change jobs on TN status?

You need a new TN application for each employer. Canadian citizens can apply at the port of entry with the new employer's documentation.

Can my family work on TD status?

No. TD dependents may study at any level but cannot obtain employment authorization in the United States.

What documentation do I need for TN status?

Essential documents include proof of citizenship, a detailed employer letter, evidence of your professional credentials, and payment of applicable fees.

How does Lighthouse help with the TN process?

Lighthouse streamlines eligibility checks, employer letter drafting, and compliance with USMCA rules, allowing professionals to secure TN status quickly and accurately.