The TN visa is a nonimmigrant work visa available to professionals from Canada and Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The TN visa allows qualified Canadian and Mexican cit-izens to work in the U.S. in specific professional roles that require at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a related field. To apply for a TN visa, the applicant must first determine if their occupation is listed under the USMCA’s designated professions, such as accountants, engineers, teachers, or scientists. For Canadian citizens, the process typically involves presenting proof of the job offer and qualifications directly at a U.S. port of entry, while Mexican citizens must apply for a TN visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico.
To apply for a TN visa, the applicant must provide evidence of their qualifications, including ed-ucational credentials, professional experience, and a letter from the U.S. employer detailing the job offer. The letter should specify the position, duties, duration of employment, and the appli-cant’s qualifications for the role. For Canadians, the application is processed at the port of entry when the individual arrives in the U.S., where they present their supporting documents and re-ceive an immediate decision. Mexican citizens, however, must apply for the TN visa at a U.S. consulate, attend an interview, and wait for the visa to be issued before traveling to the U.S.
Once approved, the TN visa allows the applicant to work in the U.S. for an initial period of up to three years, with the possibility of extensions in increments of one to three years. The TN visa does not have a maximum duration, but it is designed for individuals who intend to work tempo-rarily in the U.S. and may not be used for permanent residency purposes. The spouse and unmar-ried children of TN visa holders may accompany them to the U.S. under TD status, but they are not permitted to work. The TN visa is a flexible option for qualified professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S., and given the specific documentation requirements, applicants should consider consulting an immigration attorney to ensure a smooth application process.
