Quick answer · TN
The short version
TN status lets Canadian and Mexican citizens work temporarily in the U.S. in designated professional occupations under USMCA. There is no annual lottery. Canadians often apply at a port of entry; Mexicans generally apply at a U.S. consulate.
Who this visa is for
A strong fit if
- Canadian or Mexican citizens with a job offer in a listed USMCA profession
- Professionals who meet the exact education or license requirements for that occupation
- Applicants who need a temporary work option without H-1B lottery risk
Probably not if
- Citizens of countries outside Canada and Mexico
- Workers whose occupation is not on the USMCA list
- Applicants who cannot show temporary intent
- People whose credentials do not match the listed profession’s requirements
Requirements
Eligibility, in plain language
You usually need to satisfy each of these points. Missing one does not always mean denial — but it does mean you should get case-specific advice before filing.
- 01Canadian or Mexican citizenship
- 02Job offer in a profession listed for TN classification
- 03Qualifying degree, license, or credentials exactly matching that profession
- 04Temporary nonimmigrant intent for the TN stay
Risk patterns
Common denial reasons
- Occupation not on the list or poorly matched to duties
- Credential gap for the specific TN profession
- Support letter missing duration, duties, or wage details
- Evidence suggesting immigrant intent conflicting with TN
Avoidable problems
Mistakes applicants make
- Stretching job titles to fit a listed profession
- Using a foreign degree without adequate evaluation when needed
- Assuming TN is as dual-intent friendly as H-1B
- Changing employers without a new TN application or petition strategy
From start to finish
Step-by-step process
A practical sequence of what usually happens — not a substitute for form instructions.
- 1
Confirm the listed profession and credentials
Several daysMap the offer letter duties to a specific TN profession and verify education or license thresholds.
- 2
Prepare the employer support letter and evidence
1–2 weeksInclude role, duties, duration, wage, and why you qualify. Add diplomas, transcripts, and licenses.
- 3
Apply at the border, CBP preclearance, or consulate
Same day for many Canadian applications; weeks for consular casesCanadians often apply with CBP. Mexicans generally complete consular processing. Some in-U.S. extensions use Form I-129.
- 4
Begin TN employment and track end dates
Up to 3 years per grant, renewableTN is usually granted in periods of up to three years and can be renewed in increments if still temporary.
What it costs
Government filing fees
Amounts can change. Treat these as a planning baseline and confirm on the official fee schedule before you pay.
| Fee | Amount | Usually paid by |
|---|---|---|
CBP processing fee (common for Canadians at entry) Confirm current CBP fee. | $56 | applicant |
MRV fee for Mexican consular applicants | $205 | applicant |
Form I-129 fee for certain in-U.S. filings Used for some extensions/changes inside the U.S. | Varies | employer |
Paperwork
Document checklist
Tap each item as you collect it. Every document includes why officers usually want it.
Check items off as you gather them. Progress stays on this device only.
0/4 ready
Time & validity
Processing timeline
Timelines vary by service center, embassy, and petition history. Use these ranges to plan — not as guarantees.
Many Canadian TN adjudications happen the same day at a port of entry or preclearance location. Mexican applicants should plan for consular appointment lead time. USCIS I-129 extensions take longer unless premium processing applies.
Validity period
Often granted for up to three years per admission or approval, with renewals possible in three-year increments while the temporary need continues.
Extensions & renewal
Extensions can be requested through a new border application (for eligible Canadians) or through employer filings such as Form I-129. Maintain continuous evidence of the professional role.
Living with this status
Work, travel, and family
Employment rights & limits
You may work only for the TN employer in the approved professional capacity. A new employer generally requires a new TN application.
Travel considerations
Reentry depends on valid TN documentation and, for Mexicans, usually a valid visa stamp. Carry the support letter and credential package when traveling.
Family & dependents
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may seek TD status. TD dependents may study but cannot work under TD authorization.
Practical guidance
Tips from common cases
Patterns applicants and practitioners talk about often — not individualized legal advice.
Did you know?
TN has no annual numerical cap like H-1B.
Did you know?
TD spouses cannot work, which surprises families coming from L-2 or E dependent categories.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is there a TN lottery?+
No. TN is not subject to the H-1B numerical lottery.
Which jobs qualify?+
Only professions listed under USMCA rules, each with defined credential requirements.
Can I change TN employers?+
Yes, but the new employer needs a new TN authorization before you start.
Can TN lead to a green card?+
TN itself is temporary. Immigrant intent issues can be complex — speak with counsel before filing permanent residence applications.
Compare options
Related visas — and when to choose them instead
Similar pathways can look close on paper. These notes help you branch to the better fit.
- H-1B
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Choose H-1B when you need dual-intent flexibility or are not Canadian/Mexican.
Read the H-1B guide →
- L-1
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
Choose L-1 for intracompany transfers based on prior foreign employment with a related entity.
Read the L-1 guide →
- E-2
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
Choose E-2 if your path is treaty investment rather than a listed professional role.
Read the E-2 guide →
After you have TN status
Getting the visa is the first half. These guides cover the money side of actually settling in — payroll, tax residency, credit, and sending money home.
Official source & disclaimer
Primary government reference for this guide:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/tn-nafta-professionalsLast reviewed . Processing times last checked .