The TN Visa is a special non-immigrant work visa created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA). It allows certain professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. in specific occupations.
It is designed to make it easier for North Americans to move and work across borders, and it’s especially popular with Canadian and Mexican citizens who want to work temporarily in the U.S.
You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents are not eligible).
You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in one of the TN-eligible professions (for example: engineers, accountants, teachers, nurses, scientists, and many others).
You must have the qualifications for that profession — such as a bachelor’s degree or professional license, depending on the occupation.
The job must be temporary (not permanent employment), though it can be renewed.
Fast approval: Canadians can often apply directly at the U.S. border or airport pre-clearance, and get approved the same day.
Flexible duration: Granted for up to 3 years at a time and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the job continues.
Family included: Spouses and children under 21 can join on a TD visa (though they cannot work).
Lower cost and simpler than H-1B: Unlike the H-1B visa, there is no annual lottery, and the process is usually quicker and cheaper.
Career opportunities: Professionals can easily take up temporary assignments or contracts in the U.S. without going through complicated processes.
Carlos, a civil engineer from Mexico, receives a job offer with a U.S. construction firm in Texas. Because “engineer” is on the TN list, he gathers his degree documents, his job offer letter, and proof of citizenship. He applies at the U.S. consulate, gets approved, and begins working in the U.S. within weeks.
Emily, a Canadian accountant, is offered a position in New York. She simply shows her documents at the border, pays the fee, and is issued a TN visa right away — then drives across the border to start her new job.
Up to 3 years at a time. You can extend it as long as you keep the same kind of employment.
No, spouses and children under 21 cannot work under TD status. But they can study.
The TN is a temporary visa and does not directly lead to permanent residency. However, some people later change to other visa categories (like H-1B or employment-based green card).
Yes. You cannot apply for a TN visa without a valid job offer in one of the eligible professions.
There’s a fixed list of about 60 professions, including engineers, teachers, scientists, lawyers, economists, nurses, and others. Each has specific education or license requirements.