The TN Visa (Trade NAFTA Visa) allows Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in the United States in certain designated fields under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) agreement.
Designed to facilitate skilled labor mobility, this visa offers a straightforward path for professionals to work temporarily in the U.S.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the TN visa for canadian and mexican professionals 2025.
Table of Contents
What is the TN Visa?
The TN Visa enables eligible Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in the United States for U.S.-based employers in specific occupations, typically in fields requiring specialized knowledge.
The visa is non-immigrant and allows for initial stays of up to three years, with the possibility of renewal.
Key Benefits
- Fast and efficient application process.
- Renewable indefinitely, as long as the professional maintains eligibility.
- No cap on the number of TN Visas issued annually.
Eligibility Requirements for the TN Visa
To qualify for a TN Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the U.S. government:
Citizenship: Only Canadian and Mexican citizens are eligible (permanent residents are not).
Profession: The applicant must work in a profession included on the NAFTA/USMCA job list, such as engineering, scientific research, accounting, teaching, or healthcare.
Job Offer: A job offer from a U.S.-based employer is required. Self-employment or freelancing without a U.S. employer sponsor does not qualify.
Educational and Professional
Requirements: Each profession has unique educational and/or licensure requirements. For instance, engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, while teachers may require a specific license.
Designated Professions under the TN Visa
The TN Visa has an established list of eligible professions. Some common fields include:
- Engineers (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Accountants
- Architects
- Scientists (Biologists, Chemists, Physicists)
- Healthcare Practitioners (Dentists, Nurses, Pharmacists)
- Educators (College and University Professors, Librarians)
- Lawyers
Each profession may have additional requirements, such as a degree or licensure, based on U.S. standards.
Application Process for Canadian Citizens
For Canadian citizens, the TN Visa process is generally simpler than for Mexican citizens:
Gather Documentation
Canadians should prepare their passport, job offer letter, proof of qualifications, and any necessary licenses.
Apply at a U.S. Port of Entry
Canadians can apply at U.S. border crossings, pre-flight inspection locations, or airports.
Unlike most visa categories, they do not need to apply through a U.S. consulate.
Present Your Case
At the border or inspection site, applicants present their documents to a U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. If approved, the TN Visa is granted on the spot.
Processing Fee
There’s a nominal fee, usually around $50-56, for processing.
Application Process for Mexican Citizens
Mexican citizens must follow a slightly different process to obtain a TN Visa:
Gather Required Documents
Mexican applicants need to prepare their passport, employer’s job offer letter, and proof of qualifications.
Apply for a Visa at a U.S. Consulate
Unlike Canadian applicants, Mexican citizens must apply for a TN Visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico.
Attend an Interview
Applicants attend an interview at the consulate, where they present their case and answer questions about their job, qualifications, and employer.
Processing Time
Once approved, the processing time may vary, but the TN Visa is generally issued within a few days.
Documentation Required for the TN Visa
Both Canadian and Mexican applicants must have the following documents to support their TN Visa application:
- Passport: Valid for the entire duration of the intended stay in the U.S.
- Job Offer Letter: A detailed letter from the U.S. employer outlining job duties, terms of employment, and evidence that the job is temporary.
- Proof of Qualifications: Academic transcripts, diplomas, or professional licenses relevant to the TN occupation.
- Proof of Experience: If required for the profession, letters of recommendation or previous employment letters that verify experience.
- Supporting Evidence: For certain fields, certifications or additional documentation may be necessary.
TN Visa Validity and Renewals
The TN Visa is valid for up to three years, with the option for indefinite renewals. Renewal applications can be processed in one of two ways:
Reapplying at the Border (for Canadians): Canadians can renew their TN Visa by reapplying at a U.S. port of entry.aa
Applying with USCIS: Both Canadians and Mexicans can file a Form I-129 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while in the U.S. to extend their TN Visa.
Note: Continuous renewals are permitted as long as the professional continues to meet eligibility criteria.
However, the TN Visa is not intended for permanent residence, and excessive renewals could raise questions about the intent to remain temporarily.
Family Members: TD Dependent Visa
Spouses and children (under 21) of TN Visa holders are eligible for the TD Visa, allowing them to accompany the TN holder to the U.S.
Although TD Visa holders cannot work, they can study full-time or part-time in the U.S.
TD Visa Requirements
- Proof of relationship to the TN Visa holder (e.g., marriage or birth certificate).
- A valid passport and TD Visa application (if applying from outside the U.S.).
Key Benefits of the TN Visa
- Efficient Processing: Quick processing and minimal wait times, especially for Canadians.
- High Job Mobility: Flexibility for professionals to work in various fields within the approved NAFTA professions.
- Low Application Cost: Compared to other visa categories, the TN Visa is cost-effective.
- Renewable Status: Indefinite renewals as long as applicants maintain qualifications.
Limitations of the TN Visa
- Temporary Status: The TN Visa is non-immigrant and not intended for individuals seeking U.S. permanent residency.
- Job-Specific: The visa is tied to the specific job with the sponsoring employer, making it challenging to switch jobs without reapplying.
- No Self-Employment: Applicants cannot use the TN Visa for self-employment or freelance work without a sponsoring employer.
FAQs On TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Professionals 2025
Can TN Visa holders change employers in the U.S.?
Yes, but they must apply for a new TN Visa with the new employer.
Can TN Visa holders apply for a Green Card?
While technically possible, the TN Visa is non-immigrant.
Transitioning to a Green Card may raise concerns about “dual intent” with USCIS.
How long does the TN Visa application process take?
For Canadians at the border, it’s often immediate.
For Mexicans, consular processing may take several days.
Do TN Visa holders pay U.S. taxes?
Yes, they are subject to U.S. taxes on income earned while working in the U.S.
Can TD Visa dependents work in the U.S.?
No, TD Visa holders cannot work, but they can attend school.
Conclusion
The TN Visa program offers an excellent pathway for Canadian and Mexican professionals seeking temporary work in the United States.
With relatively low application costs, a fast processing time, and a straightforward renewal process, the TN Visa remains a popular option for skilled professionals in 2025.
Whether you’re an engineer, accountant, scientist, or healthcare professional, the TN Visa can open the door to valuable career opportunities in the U.S.