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Temporary Visas

TN Visas


What is a TN Visa

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The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa available exclusively to citizens of Canada and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA. It allows qualified professionals to work in the United States for a U.S. employer in certain pre-approved occupations, such as engineers, accountants, scientists, teachers, and more than 60 other listed professions. To qualify, the applicant must have a valid job offer, meet the specific educational or licensing requirements for the role, and demonstrate that the position is temporary in nature, even though the visa can be renewed indefinitely. Canadian citizens can apply for TN status directly at a U.S. port of entry without first obtaining a visa from a consulate, while Mexican citizens must obtain a visa at a U.S. consulate before entering the U.S. TN visa holders may bring their spouse and children (under 21) on TD visas, although family members cannot work while in the U.S. The TN visa is particularly attractive for its speed of processing, low cost, and lack of annual caps, making it a preferred route for eligible professionals seeking temporary employment in the United States.

Maimone Legal

Everything you need to know about TN Visas

You must meet all of the following:

  1. Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico

    • Permanent residents do not qualify — citizenship is required

  2. Have a job offer in the U.S. from a U.S. employer

The position must be one of the 63+ eligible NAFTA professions, including:

      • Accountant

      • Engineer

      • Architect

      • Scientist

      • Teacher

      • Computer Systems Analyst

      • Economist

      • Nurse

      • Pharmacist

      • Lawyer

      • And more…

  1. Be qualified for the job

    • Usually requires a bachelor’s degree or specific professional credentials

    • You must prove you meet the education/licensing requirements for the profession

  2. Work must be temporary

    • The job must be for a temporary period (but the visa can be renewed indefinitely)

 Canadian Citizens:

  • No visa required beforehand

  • Can apply directly at the port of entry (border or airport)

  • Bring:

    1. Job offer letter

    2. Proof of qualifications (degrees, licenses, etc.)

    3. Proof of citizenship

Mexican Citizens:

  • Must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate before entering the U.S.

  • Then proceed to a port of entry

  • Initial stay: Up to 3 years

  • Can be renewed indefinitely in 3-year increments as long as the job and qualifications remain

  • Fast processing (Canadians can often be approved the same day at the border)
  • No annual cap (unlike H-1B)
  • No labor certification or petition to USCIS required for Canadians
  • Renewable indefinitely
    •