If you’re a Canadian or Mexican citizen and have a professional job offer in the United States, the TN visa could be your fastest, simplest path to working legally in the U.S.
Created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) — formerly known as NAFTA — the TN visa is a special non-immigrant visa category designed to make cross-border employment easy, efficient, and accessible for eligible professionals.
In this guide, we’ll break down who qualifies, what types of jobs are eligible, how to apply, how long you can stay, and how this visa compares to other U.S. work visas like H-1B. Whether you’re a Canadian engineer or a Mexican scientist, the TN visa might be the key to your next big opportunity.
What Is the TN Visa?
The TN (Treaty NAFTA) visa allows certain Canadian and Mexican professionals to work temporarily in the United States in pre-approved occupations.
It was created under the USMCA to promote economic integration and make it easier for companies in North America to hire across borders.
Unlike many other work visas, the TN is:
- Fast to obtain
- Cost-effective
- Not subject to a lottery or annual cap
It’s especially popular among professionals in fields like engineering, science, healthcare, education, and finance.
Who Qualifies for a TN Visa?
To qualify for a TN visa, you must meet all the following requirements:
✅ Citizenship
You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents of these countries do not qualify).
✅ Profession
You must work in a profession listed in the USMCA TN Occupations List, which includes over 60 eligible job titles.
✅ Qualifications
You must have the required education or credentials for the specific profession (usually a bachelor’s degree or professional license).
✅ Job Offer in the U.S.
You must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer for a position that matches one of the eligible occupations. The job must be temporary, even if it’s long-term in nature.
Common TN-Eligible Professions
Some of the most popular TN visa occupations include:
- Accountant
- Architect
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Economist
- Engineer
- Graphic Designer
- Industrial Designer
- Interior Designer
- Mathematician or Statistician
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Pharmacist
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Scientist (biologist, chemist, geologist, physicist, etc.)
- Teacher (College, University, or Seminary only)
- Urban Planner
- Veterinarian
Each job on the list has its own minimum education or licensure requirement, so it’s important to match your qualifications precisely.
How Long Can You Stay on a TN Visa?
The TN visa is initially granted for up to 3 years and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as you continue to meet the visa requirements and maintain temporary intent.
- Initial validity: Up to 3 years
- Extensions: Unlimited, in 1 to 3-year increments
- Grace period: 10 days before and after employment
However, the TN visa is technically for temporary work only. You must show that you intend to leave the U.S. once your job ends — even if you renew the visa multiple times.
How to Apply for a TN Visa
The TN visa application process is relatively quick and varies slightly depending on your nationality.
🇨🇦 For Canadian Citizens:
You do not need a visa stamp. You can apply directly at a U.S. port of entry (land border or airport pre-clearance) by presenting:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship
- A detailed letter from your U.S. employer
- Your credentials (degrees, licenses, etc.)
- Evidence that the job matches a TN-approved occupation
If you’re already in the U.S. and want to change your status to TN, your employer can file Form I-129 with USCIS.
🇲🇽 For Mexican Citizens:
You must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before entering the country.
You’ll need to schedule a visa interview and provide:
- A valid Mexican passport
- A U.S. job offer letter detailing your TN-eligible role
- Academic or professional credentials
- Visa application forms and fees
Once approved, you can enter the U.S. with your visa and begin working immediately.
Required Documents for TN Application
Here’s what most applicants need to prepare:
- Proof of citizenship (passport)
- Employment offer letter from a U.S. company
- Detailed job description matching a USMCA-listed profession
- Educational credentials (diplomas, transcripts, licenses)
- Resume or CV showing relevant experience
- Application forms (DS-160 for Mexicans; Form I-129 for Canadians applying from within the U.S.)
A well-prepared TN application package is crucial — even small mistakes or vague job descriptions can lead to denials.
Can You Bring Your Family?
Yes. TN visa holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to the U.S. on TD visas.
- TD spouses and children can live in the U.S. and attend school
- They cannot work on TD status
- TD status is tied to the principal TN visa holder’s employment and stay
Key Benefits of the TN Visa
The TN visa has several advantages that make it one of the most attractive work visas for eligible professionals:
✅ No annual cap or lottery — unlike the H-1B
✅ Faster processing — Canadians can apply at the border; Mexicans get fast embassy interviews
✅ Lower costs — no high legal or government filing fees
✅ Unlimited renewals — continue working as long as the job is valid
✅ Broad list of occupations — from accountants to zoologists
Important Limitations of the TN Visa
Despite its benefits, the TN visa does come with a few restrictions:
🚫 No dual intent — You must show intent to return home (unlike the H-1B or L-1)
🚫 No self-employment — You cannot start or run your own business on a TN
🚫 Not a direct path to green card — Adjusting to permanent residency can be tricky
🚫 Limited to certain job types — Only specific professions under USMCA are eligible
If your long-term goal is to settle in the U.S., it’s important to consult an immigration attorney about your options.
Can You Get a Green Card on a TN Visa?
The TN visa is not designed for immigration, so it doesn’t allow “dual intent.” That means pursuing a green card while on TN status can be complicated — but it’s not impossible.
If you want to apply for a green card, you typically must:
- Change to another visa first (e.g., H-1B, L-1, or F-1)
- OR pursue a green card through marriage or family sponsorship
If you’re planning to transition to a green card, it’s best to get legal advice early to avoid status issues or visa denial.
TN Visa vs. H-1B: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | TN Visa | H-1B Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Only Canadians & Mexicans | All nationalities |
| Job types | Limited to USMCA professions | Broader range of specialty occupations |
| Degree requirement | Varies by job | Bachelor’s or higher |
| Application process | Fast & straightforward | Lottery-based, longer timeline |
| Dual intent | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Maximum stay | Unlimited renewals | Up to 6 years |
The TN is ideal for quick, short-to-medium-term employment, while the H-1B is more suited for those with green card aspirations.
Real Success Story: Meet Alejandro
Alejandro, a mechanical engineer from Mexico, received a job offer from a U.S. manufacturing company that urgently needed his skills for a product redesign project. His employer was unfamiliar with work visa options and considered the long, uncertain H-1B route.
After reviewing the company’s needs and Alejandro’s background, we helped them prepare a strong TN visa application. Within two weeks, Alejandro had his visa approved at the U.S. consulate in Mexico City — no lottery, no waiting, no stress.
He’s now working in Texas, thriving in his role, and exploring long-term options for residency with legal guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freelance or work for multiple employers on TN status?
No. TN is employer-specific. You may only work for the employer who filed your petition. A new employer must file a new TN application.
Can I study on a TN visa?
Yes, but only part-time. TN holders can take classes, but studying cannot be the main purpose of your stay.
Can I switch jobs on a TN visa?
Yes, but you’ll need a new TN application with your new employer.
Can I apply for a green card while on TN?
It’s possible but tricky. Since TN doesn’t allow “dual intent,” you’d need to switch to a visa category that does before applying for a green card.
Final Thoughts: Is the TN Visa Right for You?
If you’re a Canadian or Mexican professional with a job offer in an eligible field, the TN visa is one of the most accessible and efficient ways to work legally in the United States. It’s fast, flexible, and designed to encourage cross-border professional growth.
Still, like all visas, the details matter — job titles, degree equivalencies, and legal documentation must all be aligned for a successful outcome.
Need Help With Your TN Visa Application?
We’ve helped dozens of professionals and employers across North America navigate the TN visa process smoothly and successfully. Whether you’re applying for the first time or looking to renew, our team is here to ensure every detail is right — so you can start your U.S. journey without delays.
Book your consultation today and let’s take the first step toward your new role in the United States.
