The TN visa — formally the Trade NAFTA visa under CUSMA/USMCA — allows Canadian and Mexican citizens in qualifying professional occupations to live and work in the United States. For Canadian professionals, the TN visa is the fastest US work visa available: it can be approved at the US border or pre-clearance location the same day, with no annual cap and no lottery. VisaPlace has been helping Canadian and Mexican professionals obtain TN visas for over 30 years.
What is a TN Visa?
The TN visa is a nonimmigrant work visa created under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), formerly known as NAFTA. It allows citizens of Canada and Mexico who work in specific professional occupations to work temporarily in the United States for a US employer.
Unlike the H-1B visa, the TN visa has no annual cap and no lottery system. Canadian citizens can apply directly at a US port of entry or pre-clearance location and receive same-day approval. Mexican citizens apply at a US consulate and receive a visa stamp in their passport.
TN visas are issued for up to three years and can be renewed indefinitely, making them an excellent long-term option for Canadian and Mexican professionals working in the United States.
TN Visa vs H-1B — Which is Right for You?
Understanding the differences between US work visa types helps you choose the fastest and most appropriate pathway for your situation.
| Feature | TN Visa | H-1B Visa | L-1 Visa | O-1 Visa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual cap? | ✅ No cap | ❌ 65,000/yr | ✅ No cap | ✅ No cap |
| Lottery required? | ✅ No lottery | ❌ Yes — April | ✅ No lottery | ✅ No lottery |
| Processing time | Same day (Canadians) | 4–7 months | 2–4 months | 2–3 months |
| Employer sponsor | Yes — offer letter | Yes — full petition | Yes — same employer | Yes — petitioner |
| Available to | 🇨🇦 Canada + 🇲🇽 Mexico only | All nationalities | All nationalities | All nationalities |
| Renewable? | ✅ Yes, indefinitely | 6-year maximum | Yes | Yes |
| Spouse work auth? | ❌ TD not work authorised | H-4 EAD (if eligible) | ✅ L-2 auto work auth | ❌ O-3 not authorised |
Find out if you qualify for a TN visa today
Takes 3 minutes. Free assessment. Response within 24 hours.
✏ Start Free AssessmentTN Visa Qualifying Occupations
The TN visa is available to professionals in specific occupations listed in Schedule 2 of CUSMA/USMCA. Your job must match one of these categories — or a closely related category — to qualify.
| Science & Engineering | Business & Professional | Health & Social Services |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer (all disciplines) | Accountant (CPA or equivalent) | Dentist |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Economist | Dietitian |
| Scientist (biological, chemical) | Lawyer (LLB/JD required) | Medical Laboratory Technologist |
| Mathematician / Statistician | Management Consultant | Nurse |
| Geologist / Geophysicist | Graphic Designer (bachelor’s) | Pharmacist |
| Chemist | Technical Publications Writer | Physician (teaching/research) |
| Architect | Hotel Manager (degree + 1yr exp) | Psychologist |
| Agronomist | Industrial Designer | Veterinarian |
“Software Developer” is not explicitly on the TN occupation list, but “Computer Systems Analyst” often covers modern software and technology roles. A VisaPlace lawyer can advise on whether your specific job title and duties qualify — and how to frame your application for the strongest result.
TN Visa Requirements
To qualify for a TN visa, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You are a citizen of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents who are not citizens do not qualify)
- You have a job offer from a US employer in a qualifying TN occupation
- Your job offer is for temporary employment — not permanent
- You have the required credentials for your occupation (degree, licence, or certification)
- You will be paid the prevailing wage for the position
- You do not intend to abandon your foreign residence
Canadian permanent residents (PRs) who are not Canadian citizens do NOT qualify for the TN visa. They must use another pathway such as H-1B or O-1. If you are a PR card holder but not a Canadian citizen, contact VisaPlace to discuss your options.
How to Apply for a TN Visa — Step by Step
The TN visa application process is straightforward compared to other US work visas. Here is how it works for Canadian citizens:
Check the CUSMA Schedule 2 occupation list or consult a VisaPlace lawyer to confirm your job title qualifies for TN status. This is the most important first step — not all professional roles qualify.
Secure a written job offer from a US employer. The letter must describe the position, confirm it is a qualifying TN occupation, describe your specific job duties, state that the employment is temporary, and confirm the wage. VisaPlace reviews and drafts TN offer letters as part of our service.
Collect your degree certificate, transcripts, professional licence, and any other credentials required for your specific occupation category under CUSMA.
Present your documents at a US port of entry or a US pre-clearance location at a Canadian airport. A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer reviews your application and can approve it the same day. No advance appointment is needed at most crossing points.
Mexican citizens must obtain a TN visa stamp at a US consulate in Mexico before entering the United States. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. You will need to complete a DS-160 form and attend a visa interview.
Once approved, enter the United States and begin working for your US employer. Your TN status is typically granted for up to 3 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
TN Visa Documents Required
Prepare the following documents before your border crossing or consulate appointment:
- Valid Canadian or Mexican passport
- US employer job offer letter — must state the position, confirm it is a TN qualifying occupation, describe job duties, state the temporary nature of employment, and confirm the wage
- Proof of credentials — degree certificate, transcripts, professional licence, or other evidence matching your occupation’s requirements
- Application fee — $56 USD for Canadians at the border; $185 USD for Mexicans at the consulate (DS-160 fee)
- DS-160 form (Mexican citizens only)
- Passport-style photo (Mexican citizens only)
A poorly worded job offer letter is the most common reason for TN visa denials at the border. VisaPlace reviews and drafts TN offer letters as part of our service — ensuring your letter clearly establishes TN eligibility before you approach the border.
TN Visa Processing Time
| Applicant type | Processing time | Where to apply | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian citizen | Same day at the border | US port of entry or pre-clearance | $56 USD |
| Mexican citizen | 2–4 weeks | US consulate in Mexico | $185 USD |
| TN renewal (Canadian) | Same day at the border | US port of entry or by mail | $56 USD |
| TN renewal (Mexican) | 2–4 weeks | US consulate in Mexico | $185 USD |
TN Visa Dependents — TD Visa
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you to the United States on a TD (Trade Dependent) visa.
- TD visa holders may study in the US
- TD visa holders are NOT authorised to work in the US
- If your spouse wants to work in the US, they need a separate US work visa (H-1B, O-1, E visa, etc.)
- TD visa holders can apply at the same time as the TN visa holder
- Each dependent needs their own passport and proof of relationship
VisaPlace can assess your spouse’s eligibility for a separate US work visa. Many spouses of TN holders qualify for H-1B, O-1, or other work visas. Contact us to discuss options for your whole family.
TN Visa to Green Card — What Are My Options?
The TN visa is a nonimmigrant visa — it does not directly lead to a green card. However, many TN visa holders eventually obtain a US green card through the following pathways while maintaining their TN status:
- EB-1C — Multinational manager or executive green card (for L-1A holders transitioning to TN)
- EB-2 NIW — National Interest Waiver — no employer required, self-petition
- EB-2 / EB-3 — Employer-sponsored green card through your US employer
- Marriage to a US citizen — Immediate relative green card pathway
A VisaPlace lawyer can advise on the best green card strategy for your specific situation while you are working in the US on a TN visa.
Frequently Asked Questions About the TN Visa
Why Choose VisaPlace for Your TN Visa
VisaPlace has been helping Canadian and Mexican professionals obtain TN visas for over 30 years. Our lawyers know exactly which job titles and credential combinations qualify for TN status — and which border crossings and pre-clearance locations process TN applications most efficiently.
We prepare your complete TN application package including job offer letter review, credential verification, and border strategy — so you arrive at the border with everything you need for same-day approval.
- Licensed US immigration lawyers with 30+ years TN visa experience
- Job offer letter drafting and review included in service
- Border strategy and pre-clearance guidance
- Response within 24 hours of assessment submission
- Full service from Canadian office — no need to be in the US
Ready to get your TN visa?
Talk to a VisaPlace immigration lawyer today. Free 30-minute consultation available. Call 866.934.7447.
✏ Book Free Consultation
