TN Visa Explained: Everything You Need
to Know

What is the TN Visa?

TN nonimmigrant classification, or TN status, allows qualified Mexican and Canadian citizens to temporarily work in the U.S. TN status facilitates easier entry for certain professionals from these countries to work in the U.S.  

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) carried over the provisions that created the TN classification found in the 1994 trade agreement, NAFTA. 

Unlike the H-1B, there is no annual lottery or limit. This makes TN status a powerful and strategic H-1B alternative. 

H-1B vs. TN Visa

Is it a TN Visa or TN Status?

While these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a technical difference. Mexican citizens generally require a TN visa, which is a physical stamp in their passport to enter the U.S.

Canadian citizens typically apply for TN status directly at a Port of Entry (POE) without needing a visa stamp. On this page, we use both terms to ensure you have the most comprehensive information for your North American workforce strategy.

TN Visa Eligibility

Individuals may be eligible to work in the U.S. on TN status if they meet the following criteria:

• A citizen of Canada or Mexico
• Their profession is included in the USMCA
• The position in the U.S. requires a USMCA professional*
• They will work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for a U.S. employer or entity
• They have the qualifications to practice in the profession in question

TN Visa Qualifying Professions

Citizens from Mexico and Canada are eligible for the TN classification and to work in the U.S. if they work in one of the following professions. The following list is grouped; for the full list of professions, please see here.

• IT and technical Services
• Healthcare professionals
• Scientists
• Engineering and architecture
• Business and general professional
• Education and research

TN Visa Process for Canadian Citizens

According to USCIS, a Canadian citizen residing outside the U.S. is not required to apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate. This makes the TN process for Canadians notably efficient and unique. 

In fact, an individual seeking TN status may establish eligibility for TN classification at the time they seek admission to the U.S. by presenting required documentation to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at a certain CBP-designated U.S. POE or at a designated pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station. 

To be successful at the border, the individual must carry a comprehensive “TN petition packet” that includes the following documents: 

• Proof of Canadian citizenship 
• Supporting letter from the U.S. employer outlining the professional-level job duties, the duration of stay and compensation 
• Educational credentials 
• Applicable fees, which include a $50 application fee and $6 fee for the I-94 

Applying for TN Status at the Border or Pre‑Flight Inspection

Canadians must take the entire TN petition packet, including any original documents as necessary, to the Canada–U.S. border or pre-flight inspection at a Canadian airport. From there, U.S. immigration adjudicators will review the petition and, if approved, issue an I-94 card. 

USCIS‑Based TN Processing for Canadians

Alternatively, a TN‑status employer may file a Form I‑129 petition with USCIS on behalf of a Canadian citizen. If the individual is outside the U.S., they would need to present the approval notice at a Canada–U.S. port of entry to be admitted in TN status. If the individual is already in the U.S. in another nonimmigrant status, they may be eligible to request a change of status through USCIS, which does not require departing and reentering the country.

TN Visa Process for Mexican Citizens

The TN status process for Mexican citizens involves several steps and differs from that of their Canadian counterparts.

Candidates must first complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, DS‑160. Once submitted, they schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico and pay the $185 non‑refundable visa application fee.

Candidates should then gather their required documentation, unofficially known as their “TN packet,” which typically includes:

• Passport
• DS‑160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt
• A contract or letter of employment in the U.S.
• Academic credentials

They then attend their appointment and take the entire TN petition packet to the U.S. Consulate, including any original documents as necessary.

Next, the U.S. consulate issues the visa stamp, and the employee receives the stamped passport. Finally, the employee can travel to the U.S. and receive the I‑94 upon entry.

USCIS Filing Option for Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens also have the option to pursue TN status through a USCIS‑filed Form I‑129 petition. If applying from outside the U.S., they would present the USCIS approval notice, passport, DS‑160 confirmation page, application fee receipt and a complete copy of the petition at their visa appointment. Individuals already in the U.S. in another nonimmigrant status may be eligible to request a change of status through USCIS, which does not require international travel.

TN Visa: Duration and Renewals 

Individuals on TN status can initially stay in the U.S. for up to three years. After this period, they can apply for unlimited renewals, granted in three-year increments. Thus, the total stay duration can vary.   

TN Visa: Long-Term Talent Strategy 

Individuals on TN status can get a green card, but the process is complex because TN status is not dual intent.  

With strategic timing and professional legal guidance, the TN can serve as a bridge to permanent residency, allowing employers to retain their top talent for the long term.  

TN Dependents 

If they qualify, dependents of TN visa holders are granted TD (Trade Dependent) status. Only the immediate family of a TN professional is eligible for TD status: 

• Spouse: Must provide a valid marriage certificate. 
• Children: Must be unmarried, under 21 years old, and who can provide a birth certificate. 

It is important to note that TD holders are not permitted to work in the U.S. This means they cannot obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If a spouse wants to work in the U.S., they will need to qualify for their own work authorization. 

However, TD holders are permitted to attend school, K-12 or university, on a part-time or full-time basis. They would not need a separate student visa. 

Application Timeline  

• Application preparation: Typically two to four weeks, depending on how quickly the applicant and employer can gather and finalize the required documentation. 
• Government processing: Processing can take one to five months, depending on the filing method and the specifics of the case. 

Please note that government processing times vary based on how the application is submitted (consulate, port of entry, or USCIS). Applicants who require a visa stamp should also be aware that wait times for consular interview appointments may extend the overall timeline. 

TN Visa Costs and Fees 

TN classification does not have the same strict employer-pay requirements as the H-1B program. As such, TN status may be seen as a more flexible nonimmigrant option for employers and eligible employees. 

Employers are responsible for certain costs, such as: 

• Legal and attorney fees 
• USCIS filing fees, if applying by mail 
• The Fraud Prevention Fee, if only if filing with USCIS for the first time for a specific employee 

Employees generally cover the remaining costs, though some employers choose to reimburse these expenses as part of their relocation and mobility benefits.  

Optimize your North American Talent Strategy 

If you need help with securing TN status for an employee, Envoy Global can help you every step of the way. Our U.S.-based immigration attorneys’ collective experience spans industries and geographies. We help businesses of all sizes achieve their global talent acquisition, retention and deployment objectives, delivering solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. 

Our immigration services are holistic, proactive and technology-enabled for accuracy and efficiency. Most importantly, we are always people-first.  

Our team of friendly professionals is easy to work with and our market-leading technology combines to make the immigration process as easy as possible for you and your employees. Reach out to us to learn more.