Are you a professional from Canada or Mexico seeking to work in the U.S. under NAFTA provisions?
The TN visa stands for "Trade NAFTA" visa. It is a special non-immigrant status in the United States, created as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The TN visa allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the U.S. in prearranged business activities for U.S. or foreign employers.
If you want to better understand this visa, fill out the form below and our team will get in touch.
Who is eligible for the TN visa?
You may be eligible for the TN visa if:
You are a Canadian or Mexican citizen.
You are seeking to work in the U.S. in an occupation listed under NAFTA.
You have the required qualifications and credentials for the specific occupation.
What occupations are covered under the TN visa?
NAFTA specifies a list of eligible occupations, including but not limited to:
Accountants
Engineers
Architects
Computer Systems Analysts
Management Consultants
Scientists
What are the educational and experience requirements for the TN visa?
The requirements vary by occupation but generally include:
A bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
Relevant professional experience or credentials as specified for the occupation.
How long can I stay in the U.S. on a TN visa?
The TN visa is typically granted for up to three years. It can be renewed indefinitely, provided that you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and your employment situation remains consistent with the visa conditions.
How do I apply for a TN visa?
Gather Documentation: Prepare your proof of citizenship, job offer letter from a U.S. employer, and evidence of your qualifications.
Apply at Port of Entry: Canadian citizens can apply directly at a U.S. port of entry or pre-clearance station. Mexican citizens must apply through a U.S. consulate or embassy.
Present Documentation: Show your documents and job offer to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer or consular officer.
Can I bring my family with me on a TN visa?
Yes, your spouse and children can accompany you to the U.S. on a TD visa, which is a dependent visa for family members of TN visa holders. They cannot work but can study while in the U.S.
Can I change employers while on a TN visa?
Yes, you can change employers while on a TN visa. You must obtain a new job offer from a different U.S. employer and provide the necessary documentation to support your new employment.
What if my TN visa application is denied?
If your TN visa application is denied, you can seek assistance to understand the reasons for denial and address any issues. You may reapply or explore other visa options based on your circumstances.
Where can I get more information about the TN visa?
For more information and assistance with the TN visa process, please contact us or visit the USCIS website or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TN Visa?
The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa category that allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work temporarily in the United States in certain professional occupations. This visa is a creation of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The TN visa is a popular option for qualified professionals who wish to work in the U.S. without immigrating permanently.
Who can apply?
The TN visa can be applied for by Canadian and Mexican citizens working in one of the occupations listed in the USMCA. Eligible occupations include areas such as engineering, accounting, science, medicine, teaching, and others. To qualify, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
Canadian or Mexican Citizenship: Only citizens of Canada or Mexico are eligible for the TN visa.
Job Offer: The candidate must have a job offer in one of the specific professional occupations listed in the USMCA. The position must require a professional with specialized skills.
Professional Qualifications: The applicant must have the necessary educational qualifications and/or experience for the occupation as specified in the agreement. This may include university degrees or professional qualification certificates.
What are the criteria for eligibility for the TN Visa?
To qualify for the TN visa, the applicant must:
Prove Citizenship: Provide evidence of Canadian or Mexican citizenship.
Demonstrate Qualifications: Provide documentation proving that they have the necessary qualifications for the occupation, such as diplomas, certificates, or licenses.
Present a Job Offer: Have a job offer letter from a U.S. employer describing the role, the duration of employment, and confirming that the position requires a professional under the conditions listed in the USMCA.
How does the application process work?
The application process for the TN visa varies slightly between Canadian and Mexican citizens:
Canadians: Do not need to apply for a TN visa at the U.S. consulate. They can apply for entry to the U.S. directly at the border or airport by presenting the job offer letter and proof of professional qualifications to the immigration officer.
Mexicans: Must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate before traveling to the U.S. This involves scheduling an interview and presenting the necessary documents, such as the job offer and proof of qualifications.
Benefits of the TN Visa
The TN visa offers several advantages, including:
Simple Application Process: Especially for Canadian citizens, the process is straightforward and can be done at the border, allowing for quick entry into the U.S.
Indefinite Renewability: The TN visa is initially granted for up to three years but can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the job and qualifications continue to meet the USMCA requirements.
Spouse and Children: The spouse and children under 21 years of age of the TN visa holder can accompany the applicant with the TD visa, which allows them to reside in the U.S., although it does not permit the spouse to work.
The TN visa is an excellent opportunity for qualified professionals from Canada and Mexico who wish to work in the U.S. temporarily, offering renewal flexibility and an easy application process, especially for Canadian citizens.