U.S. Temporary Work Visa for Canadian and Mexican Professionals | TN Visa
TN Visa: Complete Guide to the TN Visa USA (Requirements, Professions List & Green Card Options)
The TN visa (USMCA professional status) allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the United States in specific professional occupations under a prearranged job offer.
Pay only after approval (Terms apply). Competitive pricing. Clear deliverables.
TN Visa at a Glance
Who qualifies: Citizens of Canada or Mexico (not permanent residents).
Work type: Temporary entry to perform professional services in a USMCA-listed profession.
Canadian process: Typically apply directly at a U.S. port of entry (no visa stamp required in most cases).
Mexican process: Requires a TN visa stamp at a U.S. consulate before travel.
Max admission period: Up to 3 years per entry/approval (extensions possible).
Dependents: TD status for spouse/children (work authorization is generally not granted).
- UK-market focused support
- Fixed-fee options
- Clear document checklists
- Secure handling
- Pay after approval (terms apply)
INDEX:
- What is a TN visa?
- TN Visa Requirements
- TN Visa Professions List
- How to get a TN visa (Canadian)
- TN Visa for Mexican Citizens
- How to Get a TN Visa to Work in USA
- How Long Does TN Visa Last?
- TN Visa Processing Time
- TN visa to green card (what companies should know)
- Key Compliance Notes (Often Missed)
- Why Choose Corporate Visa Solutions for Your TN Visa Strategy
What is a TN visa?
The TN classification is a nonimmigrant work classification for Canadian and Mexican citizens who will work in the U.S. in a qualifying USMCA profession under a prearranged position.
TN Visa Requirements
To qualify, you generally need:
Canadian or Mexican citizenship
A job offer / prearranged employment in the U.S. in a qualifying TN profession
Proof you meet the minimum education/credentials for that profession (degree, license, etc.)
Evidence the role is a professional-level position matching the USMCA list
TN Visa Professions List
TN eligibility is limited to the specific professional occupations listed under the USMCA schedule (often referenced as Appendix 1603.D.1 / Annex list). In practice, eligibility is not just the job title—it’s whether the duties match the listed profession and whether the applicant meets the profession’s minimum requirements.
How to get a TN visa (Canadian)
Most Canadian citizens can request TN classification directly with CBP at a port of entry (or preclearance) by presenting the required documentation; they generally do not need a TN visa stamp.
Typical Canadian TN document set:
Valid Canadian passport
Employer support letter (role, duties, salary, duration, profession alignment)
Credentials (degree/transcripts; license if required)
Supporting evidence that duties match the TN profession
TN Visa for Mexican Citizens
Mexican citizens must generally apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate before traveling to the U.S. in TN status.
Typical consular TN steps:
DS-160 + fee + interview scheduling
Employer letter + credentials + proof of eligibility
How to Get a TN Visa to Work in USA
Apply pathway options (all nationalities)
Depending on your scenario, TN can be obtained via:
Port of entry / preclearance (common for Canadians), or
Consular processing (required for most Mexican citizens), or
USCIS petition (Form I-129) for extension/change of status from inside the U.S.
How Long Does TN Visa Last?
TN admission is typically granted with an expiration date not to exceed 3 years per approval/admission, and can be extended if the employment remains temporary and eligible.
TN Visa Processing Time
How long does a TN visa take?
It depends on the route:
Canadian TN at port of entry: can be processed at inspection (timing varies by port and case complexity).
Mexican TN via consulate: depends on appointment availability + administrative processing variability.
USCIS I-129 (inside U.S.): depends on USCIS processing times and whether premium processing is available/used for your petition type (confirm per filing).
TN visa to green card (what companies should know)
TN is a nonimmigrant classification; pursuing permanent residence is possible in the broader immigration system, but strategy matters because TN is not designed as a “dual intent” category in the same way as H-1B/L-1. A green card plan often needs careful timing (especially around travel/renewals and consular steps).
Key Compliance Notes (Often Missed)
Self-employment risk
TN is for prearranged employment with a U.S. entity; structures that look like “self-employment” can create eligibility issues.
Multiple employers
TN is employer/role-specific. Working for multiple U.S. entities generally requires that each arrangement is properly documented and compliant with TN rules (case-structured).
Why Choose Corporate Visa Solutions for Your TN Visa Strategy
At Corporate Visa Solutions, we help employers navigate the TN visa process for Canadian and Mexican professionals with a clear, compliant, and efficient strategy. From identifying the correct TN profession to preparing employer documentation and managing border or consular filings, we ensure each case is structured to minimize risk and delays.
Contact Corporate Visa Solutions to assess your TN visa options and start your case with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A TN is a U.S. nonimmigrant work classification for qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens in USMCA-listed professional occupations.
Only citizens of Canada or Mexico who have a prearranged U.S. professional role in a qualifying TN occupation and meet the credentials.
Most Canadians apply at a U.S. port of entry/preclearance with the required employer letter and credentials.
Choose the correct route: port of entry (common for Canadians), consular visa (Mexicans), or I-129 from within the U.S. for extension/change.
TN admission is typically granted with an expiration date up to 3 years per approval/admission.
It refers to the same U.S. TN classification—Canadians often request TN status directly at the border (without a visa stamp).
A green card plan can be possible, but TN is nonimmigrant and strategy/timing matters (especially for travel/renewals).