The TN visa USA is a special non-immigrant classification under the USMCA treaty — previously NAFTA — that facilitates temporary entry into the United States for qualified Canadian and Mexican professionals. It is designed for companies that need rapid and compliant cross-border mobility without going through lengthy or cap-restricted U.S. visa categories.
What is the TN Visa?
The TN visa (often referred to as the TN non-immigrant classification) allows eligible Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the U.S. in certain pre-arranged, professional-level roles.
This category exists under the North American free-trade framework and is widely used for engineering, scientific, manufacturing, and technical positions.
Who is Eligible? Understanding the TN Visa Requirements
The TN visa requirements focus mainly on three core elements:
- Citizenship – The applicant must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents are not eligible).
- Professional role – The offered job must appear in the official TN visa job list, which outlines all qualifying occupations.
- Qualifications – The applicant must hold the degree or credentials specified for the profession, typically a bachelor’s degree.
The job must be pre-arranged by a U.S. employer (or a foreign employer with a U.S. entity), and self-employment is not permitted.
Application Process & Differences for Canadians vs Mexicans
Canadian citizens can often apply directly at a U.S. port of entry, making the TN route particularly agile.
Mexican citizens must first obtain a TN visa at a U.S. consulate before requesting TN status upon entry.
Both nationalities may receive an initial stay of up to three years, with possible extensions as long as employment and non-immigrant intent remain intact.
Why Use the TN Route for Corporate Mobility?
For businesses—especially in engineering, manufacturing, energy, or research-intensive sectors—the TN visa USA framework offers several advantages:
- Fast processing and entry compared to other U.S. visa categories
- No annual cap
- Highly suitable for short- and medium-term assignments
- Strategic flexibility for North American staffing
Limitations & Considerations
- The TN visa job list is fixed and has not been broadly updated to reflect newer job categories.
- TN status is temporary and does not directly lead to permanent residence.
- A change of employer typically requires a new TN filing.
- It is not available for employees who are not Canadian or Mexican citizens.
For European-based companies, this means the TN category is only usable when the candidate’s nationality and role align with treaty requirements.
How Corporate Visa Solutions Can Help
Corporate Visa Solutions supports European based companies with all aspects of U.S. mobility strategy. Our services include:
- Reviewing job descriptions to confirm whether they match a profession in the TN visa job list
- Assessing academic and professional credentials
- Preparing documentation that satisfies the TN visa requirements
- Advising on consular vs border applications for Canadians and Mexicans
- Planning extensions or alternative visas for long-term mobility
Conclusion
When a European-based company needs to send a Canadian or Mexican professional to the U.S., the TN visa USA provides an efficient and predictable path—provided the role and candidate fit the criteria.
Corporate Visa Solutions ensures compliance, clarity, and strategic planning at every step.
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