United States•North America

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TN — USMCA / NAFTA Professional

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 day – 5 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

USD $1,179–$2,262

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information Browse TN Jobs

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$52,000

Quality of Life

185/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

For Canadian and Mexican citizens in designated professional occupations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. No annual cap; no lottery.

The TN is a US nonimmigrant work status for Canadian and Mexican citizens in USMCA-designated professional occupations. No annual cap or lottery; qualifying professions include engineers, accountants, nurses, lawyers, scientists, and over 60 other categories in USMCA Appendix 1603.d.1.

Admission is granted for up to 3 years, renewable indefinitely in 3-year increments. Canadians apply at a port of entry; Mexicans need a TN visa from a US consulate. No direct PR pathway — holders must maintain non-immigrant intent. Spouses and children join on TD status with no work authorization.

This visa is ideal for Canadian or Mexican professionals with a prearranged US job offer in a listed USMCA occupation who want a fast, uncapped work pathway without lottery or labor certification.

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Cost Breakdown

Nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV)USD $185

CBP Processing Fee (Canadian Border)USD $50

Form I-94 Land Border FeeUSD $30

I-129 base filing fee (Standard)USD $1,015

I-129 base filing fee (Small Employer/Nonprofit)USD $510

Asylum Program Fee (Standard)USD $600

Asylum Program Fee (Small)USD $300

Reciprocity Fee (Mexican citizens, 1-year)USD $104

Reciprocity Fee (Mexican citizens, 4-year)USD $382

TotalUSD $1,179–$2,262

Processing Time

Consular / Border Application	1 day
USCIS Form I-129	2–5 months

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

3 years

Eligible Nationalities (2)

Canada

Mexico

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United States

H-1B — Specialty Occupation Worker

Validity3 to 6 years

Processing2 weeks – 9 months

View Visa Details

EB-2 — Employment Second Preference - Advanced Degree

United States

EB-2 — Employment Second Preference - Advanced Degree

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1.5–10 years

View Visa Details

EB-3 — Employment Third Preference - Skilled Worker/Professional

United States

EB-3 — Employment Third Preference - Skilled Worker/Professional

ValidityIndefinite

Processing3.5–12 years

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents not qualifying)

Profession must be listed on the USMCA professional list (Appendix 1603.d.1)

Must have a prearranged full-time or part-time job offer from a U.S. employer (self-employment prohibited)

Must possess appropriate qualifications — most professions require a bachelor's degree minimum

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (valid 6+ months beyond intended stay)

DS-160 confirmation page

Fee payment receipt

Employment letter/contract from U.S. employer confirming job offer, responsibilities, length of stay, required qualifications, and pay arrangements

Evidence of meeting education/experience requirements per Appendix 1603.d.1

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Canadian citizens may apply for TN status directly at a U.S. port of entry — no visa required
No annual cap or quota on TN admissions
Renewable indefinitely in 3-year increments
Spouses and unmarried minor children may accompany on TD visas
Valid visa remains valid until expiration even if passport has expired

Worth Knowing

Self-employment is strictly prohibited — must have a prearranged job offer from a U.S. employer
Only available to Canadian and Mexican citizens; permanent residents are not qualifying
Profession must appear on the USMCA approved professional list (Appendix 1603.d.1)
Mexican citizens must apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate; Canadians apply at port of entry
Proof of licensure not required for the visa but may be required by CBP at port of entry
Strictly nonimmigrant — no dual intent; immigrants or those intending to abandon foreign residence are non-qualifying
Must be on TN professions list