Last updated: November 9, 2025.
By Asel Williams, Esq. · Columbia Law School · Licensed immigration attorney
The TN visa was created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and is now governed by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
It allows Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in the US.
This category is key to cross border employment and mobility of skilled workers in North America.
In this guide we will cover the TN visa, the requirements, the application process and key things to consider for professionals who want to work in the US under this category.
What is a TN Visa?
The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the US in specific professional occupations.
These occupations are listed in the USMCA and include engineering, science, teaching, accounting and healthcare.
Each occupation has its own requirements (education and experience). See the full list of acceptable professions below.
TN visa list of professions
| Profession |
Minimum requirements |
|
General |
|
| Accountant | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or C.P.A., C.A., C.G.A. or C.M.A. |
| Architect | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license.
Note: “State/provincial license” and “state/provincial/federal license” mean a document issued by a state, provincial, or federal government, as the case may be, or under its authority, but not by a local government, that permits a person to engage in a regulated activity or profession. |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or PostSecondary Diploma, or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience |
| Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster (claims Adjuster employed by an insurance company located in the territory of a Party, or an independent claims adjuster) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree, and
successful completion of training in the appropriate areas of insurance adjustment pertaining to disaster relief claims; or three years experience in claims adjustment and successful completion of training in the appropriate areas of insurance adjustment pertaining to disaster relief claims |
| Economist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Engineer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license |
| Forester | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license |
| Graphic Designer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or PostSecondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience |
| Hotel Manager | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree in hotel/restaurant management; or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate in hotel/restaurant management, and three years experience in hotel/restaurant management |
| Industrial Designer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or PostSecondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience |
| Interior Designer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or PostSecondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience |
| Land Surveyor | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial/federal license |
| Landscape Architect | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Lawyer (including Notary in the Province of Quebec) | LL.B., J.D., LL.L., B.C.L. or Licenciatura Degree (five years); or membership in a state/provincial bar |
| Librarian | M.L.S. or B.L.S. (for which another Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree was a prerequisite) |
| Management Consultant | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or equivalent professional experience as established by statement or professional credential attesting to five years experience as a management consultant, or five years experience in a field of specialty related to the consulting agreement |
| Mathematician (including Statistician) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Range Manager/Range Conservationalist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Research Assistant (working in a post-secondary educational institution) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Scientific Technician/Technologist | Possession of (a) theoretical knowledge of any of the following disciplines: agricultural sciences, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, forestry, geology, geophysics, meteorology or physics; and (b) the ability to solve practical problems in any of those disciplines, or the ability to apply principles of any of those disciplines to basic or applied research |
| Social Worker | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Sylviculturist (including Forestry Specialist) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Technical Publications Writer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or PostSecondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience |
| Urban Planner (including Geographer) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Vocational Counsellor | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
|
Medical/Allied Professional |
|
| Dentist | D.D.S., D.M.D., Doctor en Odontologia or Doctor en Cirugia Dental; or state/provincial license |
| Dietitian | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license |
| Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada)/Medical Technologist (Mexico and the United States) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or PostSecondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience |
| Nutritionist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Occupational Therapist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license |
| Pharmacist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license |
| Physician (teaching or research only) | M.D. or Doctor en Medicina; or state/provincial license |
| Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license |
| Psychologist | State/provincial license; or Licenciatura Degree |
| Recreational Therapist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Registered Nurse | State/provincial license; or Licenciatura Degree |
| Veterinarian | D.V.M., D.M.V. or Doctor en Veterinaria; or state/provincial license |
|
Scientist |
|
| Agriculturist (including Agronomist) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Animal Breeder | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Animal Scientist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Apiculturist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Astronomer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Biochemist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Biologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Chemist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Dairy Scientist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Entomologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Epidemiologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Geneticist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Geologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Geochemist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Geophysicist (including Oceanographer in Mexico and the United States) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Horticulturist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Meteorologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Pharmacologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Physicist (including Oceanographer in Canada) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Plant Breeder | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Poultry Scientist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Soil Scientist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Zoologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
|
Teacher |
|
| College | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Seminary | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| University | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
TN visa requirements
To be eligible for a TN visa you must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
- Job Offer: Have a job offer from a US employer in a profession listed in the USMCA. Self-employment is not allowed on a TN visa.
- Qualifications: Have the necessary qualifications (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) for the occupation and license (if applicable).
- Nonimmigrant intent: Have nonimmigrant intent when applying for a TN visa. For example, if an applicant has an approved Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers), TN visa application might be denied.
How to Apply for a TN Visa?
For Canadian Citizens:
At a U.S. Port of Entry: Canadian citizens can apply for a TN visa at a U.S. port of entry. They must bring their passport, a letter from the US employer detailing the job offer, evidence of qualifications (degrees, license, certificates) and proof the job is a USMCA listed profession.
For Mexican Citizens:
At a U.S. Consulate: Mexican citizens must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. Consulate. The application process includes submission of a visa application form, proof of citizenship, a letter from the US employer, credentials to prove professional qualifications and proof the job is a USMCA listed profession.
TN Visa Fees
The fees for a TN visa are:
- Canadian Citizens: $56, plus $6 per family member (TD visa) at a U.S. port of entry.
- Mexican Citizens: $185/per applicant at a U.S. Consulate.
Fees are subject to change so check the current fees before applying.
TN visa checklist of documents
To apply for a TN visa, you will need the following documents:
Proof of Citizenship: Passport.
Employer’s Letter: Job offer letter with position, duties, salary and qualifications.
Qualifications Evidence: Degrees, license, certificates, proof of experience. Evaluation of foreign degrees might be required.
Job Qualification Proof: Documents to prove the job is a USMCA listed profession.
How long does it take to obtain a TN visa?
For Canadian citizens it’s usually immediate at a U.S. port of entry if all documents are in order. For Mexican citizens it can take several weeks depending on the availability of appointments at the U.S. Consulate and processing time.
How long can I stay in the US on a TN visa?
TN visa holders are granted 3 years initially. The visa can be renewed in 3 year increments as long as the individual continues to meet the TN visa requirements and is employed in a qualifying profession. Note the TN visa is a non-immigrant visa so the holder must demonstrate non-immigrant intent and not intend to live in the US permanently.
How can I change status from TN to a green card?
TN visa holders who want to get a green card can apply through employment based or family sponsorship.
Employment-based immigration options include:
- EB-1A for extraordinary individuals (US job offer is not required)
- EB-1B for outstanding professors and researchers
- EB-2 for employment-based sponsorship
- EB-2 National Interest Waiver (US job offer is not required)
- EB-3 for skilled workers
The employment-based immigration application includes filing of the following forms:
Form I-140: Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, filed by the employer. Form I-140 registration date becomes the priority date that impacts the timing of the green card application.
Form I-485: Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, filed by the applicant once the I-140 is approved and the priority date becomes current for EB-2 category.
Changing from a TN visa to a green card requires planning and compliance with all immigration rules.
TN visa holders must be aware of the dual intent doctrine as the TN visa does not inherently support immigrant intent. It’s recommended to consult with an immigration attorney to navigate the process.
TN Visa Dependents
While the TN visa is for the individual professional, it also has provisions for family members.
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of TN visa holders can apply for a TD (Trade Dependent) visa to accompany or join the principal TN visa holder in the U.S.
TD visa holders can live in the U.S. for the duration of the TN visa holder’s stay but cannot work.
However, they can attend school or engage in other activities that do not require employment authorization.
TN Visa Renewal
Renewing a TN visa means demonstrating continued eligibility and compliance.
TN visa holders must show they are still employed in a qualifying occupation and maintain their professional credentials.
Employers may need to issue new job offer letters or other supporting documents to help with the renewal process.
TN visa holders must continue to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent when extending their TN status. Filing Form I-130 for family-based immigrants or Form I-140 for employment-based applicants might make an applicant ineligible for extension.
TN extensions can be filed with USCIS by submitting Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, or the TN status holder can choose to apply at the port of entry (Canadian applicants) or at the US consulate (Mexican applicants).
TN visa advantages and disadvantages
TN visa has the following advantages compared to another employment visa category H-1B:
- No prevailing wage requirement
- No limitation on number of extensions. As long as the applicant continues to possess nonimmigrant intent, TN status can be extended
- No annual limitations on the number of TN visas issued a year. No lottery selection process
- Fewer expenses: since Mexican and Canadian professionals can apply for TN visa at the US port of entry or US consulate, fewer filing fees are required
- TN visa holders can work for multiple employers, as long as each employer is listed on the visa
TN visa disadvantages include:
- Applicant must fall into the 63 professional occupations
- TN visa holders must have nonimmigrant intent which may limit their opportunities to maintain status after an immigration petition Form I-140 filed by employer on their behalf
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