US TN visa (USMCA professionals)

Who the TN category is for

The TN category suits Canadian and Mexican professionals who have a job offer in the US in one of the occupations listed under the USMCA. Typical examples named in the agreement include accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists and teachers, alongside many other professions.

The work must be at a professional level and must match one of the listed occupations. Self-employment to run your own US business does not qualify, although working as a contractor for a US client can be acceptable if the role fits a listed profession.

• Open only to citizens of Canada and Mexico
• Requires a prearranged, professional-level job in a listed occupation
• Employer can be based in the US or abroad

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must generally hold the qualifications the listed profession requires, which is usually a relevant bachelor's degree or the specific credentials or licences named for that occupation in the agreement.

The applicant must be entering to perform the professional activity itself, not simply to take a job that happens to require a degree. Officers assess whether the role, the qualifications and the offered position all line up with a listed profession.

• Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship
• Evidence you meet the profession's education or licensing requirements
• A support letter from the US employer describing the role, its professional nature and duration
• Evidence the position is on the USMCA professions list

How to apply

Canadian citizens generally do not need a TN visa in advance. They can present their supporting documents to a US Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry and request TN status on arrival. A US employer may also file Form I-129 with USCIS to obtain or extend status from inside the US.

Mexican citizens must apply for a TN visa before travelling. This means completing the online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application, paying the visa application (MRV) fee and attending an interview at a US embassy or consulate in Mexico, then seeking admission at the border once the visa is issued.

• Canadians: request TN at a port of entry with documents, or via I-129 through USCIS
• Mexicans: complete DS-160, pay the MRV fee and interview at a US consulate
• Keep evidence of citizenship, qualifications and the employer's job offer ready

Validity, extensions and family

A TN admission is granted for up to three years at a time. There is no fixed lifetime cap, and status can be extended repeatedly in increments of up to three years as long as the work remains temporary and the applicant keeps meeting the requirements.

Extensions from within the US are requested by the employer filing Form I-129 with USCIS. Canadian citizens also have the option of leaving and re-entering at a port of entry to obtain a fresh period of admission. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the TN worker in the dependent TD category, but TD holders may not work in the US.

• Up to 3 years per admission, extendable in 3-year increments
• US-based extensions filed on Form I-129 with USCIS
• Dependants use TD status; TD holders cannot work

Temporary intent and its limits

Because TN is not a dual-intent category, applicants must satisfy the officer that they intend a temporary stay and will leave when the professional assignment ends. Showing clear signs of an intention to settle permanently can lead to a refusal.

This makes moving from TN to a green card more delicate than from dual-intent routes such as H-1B or L-1. Anyone considering permanent residence while holding TN status should plan the timing carefully and take professional advice.