Dreaming of working in the United States as a Canadian or Mexican professional? The TN Visa (officially the USMCA Professional Visa) is your gateway to temporary employment in over 60+ eligible professions, from engineering to healthcare. In this guide, we’ll simplify the TN Visa process, eligibility criteria, and answer burning questions like “Can I convert my TN Visa to a Green Card?”
Key Takeaways:
✅ TN Visa = USMCA Visa: Replaced the old “NAFTA Visa” in 2020 but retains similar benefits.
✅ Fast Processing: Canadians can apply at the border same-day; Mexicans via U.S. consulates.
✅ No Annual Cap: Unlike the H-1B, there’s no limit on TN Visas issued yearly.
The TN Visa (Trade NAFTA) is a non-immigrant work visa created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). It allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the U.S. in pre-arranged professional roles.
The TN Visa originated under NAFTA (1994) and transitioned to USMCA on July 1, 2020.
No major changes to eligibility—the professions list, requirements, and process remain similar.
Still informally called the “NAFTA Visa” by many.
To apply, you must:
Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (Permanent Residents do not qualify).
Work in a USMCA-approved profession (e.g., engineer, accountant, scientist).
Have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer.
Meet education/licensing requirements for your role.
The USMCA lists 63+ approved professions. Here are top categories:
| Profession | Examples |
|---|---|
| Engineers | Civil, Mechanical, Software Engineers |
| Scientists | Biologists, Chemists, Physicists |
| Medical Professionals | Dentists, Pharmacists, Registered Nurses |
| Educators | College/University Professors |
| Accountants | CPAs, Financial Analysts |
Full list: Review the official USMCA TN Professions List.
Proof of Citizenship: Canadian/Mexican passport.
Job Offer Letter: Detailing role, salary, and duration (up to 3 years).
Qualifications: Degree/diploma + transcripts (translated if needed).
Licenses: For regulated professions (e.g., nursing, engineering).
TN Visa Application Form: DS-160 (for Mexicans).
Canadians: Apply directly at a U.S. port of entry (same-day approval).
Mexicans: Apply via U.S. consulate (processing takes 2-4 weeks).
Fees: 160USD(DS−160)+160USD(DS−160)+6 USD (Mexican visa issuance fee).
Yes, but cautiously. TN Visa is non-immigrant, so pursuing a Green Card (e.g., via employer sponsorship) requires careful planning to avoid visa denial.
TN Visa: Only for Canadians/Mexicans; no annual cap.
H-1B: Open to all nationalities; limited to 85,000/year.
No. Only citizens of Canada/Mexico qualify.
Up to 3 years initially, renewable indefinitely in 3-year increments.
No. The TN Visa is for Canadians/Mexicans to work in the U.S. only.
While Canadians can apply at the border, even minor errors (e.g., incorrect job description) lead to rejection. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) helps you:
✅ Draft a bulletproof job offer letter.
✅ Prepare for border interviews.
✅ Avoid costly delays or bans.
“My TN Visa was denied at first due to missing documents. CTIVCI resubmitted my case, and I got approval in 2 days!” – James L., Software Engineer
Don’t risk denial over paperwork mistakes. CTIV, Toronto’s trusted immigration experts, streamline your TN Visa application with:
USMCA Compliance Review
Job Offer & Document Preparation
Border Interview Coaching
Free TN Visa Consultation:: 416-857-0100 Email Us:
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