Overview
Created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA), the TN visa classification offers expedited temporary work authorization for qualifying Canadian and Mexican citizens entering the United States to work in designated professional occupations. This streamlined visa pathway supports regional trade and economic integration across North America.
Requirements
Canadian or Mexican citizenship
An applicant must hold citizenship in Canada or Mexico.
A pre-arranged U.S. position
The applicant must have a pre-arranged offer of employment — or an independent consulting contract — from a U.S. employer.
A listed USMCA profession
The position must fall within the specific USMCA economic list of eligible professions, such as engineers, management consultants, accountants, software analysts, lawyers, and scientific researchers.
Documented credentials
The candidate must present official transcripts, degrees, or professional licenses meeting the educational or credential standards designated for that profession under the agreement.
Key benefits
- Canadians can apply directly at U.S. ports of entry or airport pre-clearance locations for immediate processing.
- Uncapped category with no annual lotteries or prevailing wage requirements.
- Renewable indefinitely in three-year increments as long as temporary nonimmigrant intent is maintained.
- Considerably lower legal expenses and faster turnaround times than traditional H-1B filings.