TN Visa

A work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals in specific occupations, created under USMCA (formerly NAFTA) — no lottery, no cap.

The TN (Trade NAFTA) visa is a nonimmigrant work status available to Canadian and Mexican citizens who will work in the United States in one of the specific professional occupations listed under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA). The list includes roughly 60 occupations across engineering, science, accounting, law, medicine, and more. TN status is notable for what it lacks: no annual cap, no lottery, and no Department of Labor prevailing wage requirement — making it significantly faster and cheaper than an H-1B.

The process differs by nationality. Canadian citizens can obtain TN status directly at a US port of entry (airport, land border, or pre-clearance) by presenting a job offer letter, proof of citizenship, and evidence of professional qualifications. No advance USCIS filing is required. Mexican citizens must apply for a TN visa at a US consulate before traveling, which involves a more formal application process. In both cases, TN status is initially granted for up to 3 years and can be renewed indefinitely in 3-year increments.

The primary limitation of TN status is its technical restriction on 'dual intent' — the US government expects TN holders to have a foreign residence they intend to return to and are not supposed to use TN as a stepping stone to a green card. In practice, many TN holders do pursue green cards while on TN status, but it requires careful navigation and sometimes a change of status to a dual-intent visa (like H-1B or L-1) before filing the I-485. TN holders cannot directly file for adjustment of status, though they can be the beneficiary of an approved I-140 while maintaining TN status.

Common TN Occupations

  • Engineering: all disciplines — civil, software, mechanical, electrical, chemical, etc.
  • Scientists: biologist, chemist, physicist, geologist, meteorologist, and more.
  • Accountants: must hold a CPA or provincial equivalent.
  • Lawyers: limited to Mexican and Canadian lawyers advising on home country law.
  • Medical: physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, dietitians.
  • Computer systems analysts: often used for software developers — note the occupation is listed as 'systems analyst,' not 'software engineer,' which occasionally causes scrutiny.
  • Management consultants, economists, social workers, scientific technicians.

TN vs H-1B: Key Differences

  • Eligibility: TN is only for Canadians and Mexicans in listed occupations; H-1B is available to any nationality for specialty occupations.
  • Cap: TN has no annual cap; H-1B has an annual cap of 85,000 with a randomized lottery.
  • Speed: Canadians can get TN at the border same-day; H-1B cap-subject petitions require lottery selection and October 1 start date.
  • Cost: TN is significantly cheaper — no USCIS filing fees beyond the border/consular application.
  • Dual intent: H-1B explicitly permits dual intent (pursuing a green card); TN technically does not.
  • Family: TN holders' spouses and children under 21 can enter as TD dependents but are not work-authorized (unlike L-2 spouses who can obtain EADs).

What to Bring to the Border (Canadians)

  • Valid Canadian passport.
  • Detailed job offer letter on company letterhead specifying: the TN occupation category, job duties, required qualifications, salary, and intended duration.
  • Evidence of professional credentials: degree transcripts, professional licenses, certifications.
  • If applicable: professional membership or license documentation matching the TN occupation.
  • Filing fee: $56 at the port of entry.
  • Note: CBP can deny TN at their discretion — if denied, you can reapply at a different port or have the employer file an I-129 petition with USCIS.

Example

A Canadian software engineer with a computer science degree receives a job offer in California. Her employer prepares a TN support letter describing her role as a 'Computer Systems Analyst,' listing her duties, her $185,000 salary, and the 3-year engagement. She flies to San Francisco, presents her documents at the CBP port of entry, pays $56, and receives TN status that afternoon — starting work the following Monday.