TN - NAFTA Professionals

TN visas were created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and are available to certain Canadian and Mexican professionals, to work in the United States. TN status was created by virtue of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It allows American, Canadian and Mexican citizens the opportunity to work in the United States or Canada under a somewhat limited set of occupations. Within the TN set of occupations, an American, Canadian or Mexican can work for up to three years at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions about TN Visas

What are the Requirements for a TN Visa?  

• The applicant must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
• The position in the U.S. requires a NAFTA-approved professional.
• The applicant will work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for a U.S. employer (self-employment is not permitted).
• The applicant has the qualifications for the profession.
• The applicant can demonstrate that their stay is temporary.
• The visa holder has to work in one of the 63 specific positions included in the NAFTA list.
• The visas holder has to have a degree in that specific field.

How Long is Someone Allowed to Stay in the U.S.?  

The maximum period of admission into the U.S. is three years and extensions of stay are granted in three-year increments.  Spouses and children of TN visa holders are issued TD visas.  TD visa holders may not work, but are allowed to attend school.  

What are the Specific Requirements for a Canadian citizen?  

Canadian citizens usually do not need a visa as a NAFTA professional, although a visa can be issued to qualified TN visa applicants upon request. 
TN Visa - Canada is suitable for:

• Canadian citizens with a bachelor’s degree and a job offer from a U.S. company.
• Canadian citizens in specialized occupations, such as scientists, engineers, programmers, research assistants, management consultants, social workers, and accountants.
• Canadian medical and allied personnel including dentists, dietitians, laboratory technologists, nutritionists, pharmacists, physical therapists, psychologists, registered nurses and veterinarians.

What are the Specific Requirements for a Mexican citizen?

Unlike Canadian citizens, Mexican citizens cannot apply for a TN visa at a port of entry. They must apply for their TN visa at a U.S. embassy and undergo an interview. Mexican citizens may apply at consular sections around the world for a TN visa. An interview at the embassy consular section is required for most visa applicants. Interviews are by appointment only, and the waiting time for an interview appointment for most applicants is a few weeks or less, but for some embassy consular sections it can be considerably longer. You can check visa wait times for interview appointments on the U.S. Department of State website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php

How Long is a TN Visa Valid?

A TN visa holder is admitted for up to three years. TN visas may be renewed indefinitely in three-year increments.

Can the Visa Holder Bring Dependents into the U.S. on a TN Visa?

Yes, a spouse and unmarried, minor children are entitled to enter the U.S. on derivative TD status.

Contact us for additional information on TN visas, and guidance through what can be a complicated process.

What are the Qualifying Professions?

The applicant must be coming to work in the United States as one of the following and possess the required education and/or experience. Click here for the entire list of professions.

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Contact us for more information on TN Visas, and guidance through what can be a complex process.