TN Visa: Work in the United States as a Mexican or Canadian Professional
The TN Visa is a nonimmigrant work visa created under the Treaty between Mexico, the United States, and Canada (USMCA, formerly NAFTA). It allows Mexican and Canadian professionals to work temporarily in the United States in specific occupations that require at least an undergraduate degree (bachelor's degree).
Important Information
- According to the US State Department, the application fee is $160 USD for Mexican citizens.
- The TN Visa is valid for up to 3 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
- More than 60 professions are listed as eligible under USMCA.
- It does not require a lottery or annual cap, unlike the H-1B visa.
TN Visa Requirements
- Citizenship: Be a Mexican or Canadian citizen
- Eligible profession: The occupation must be on the USMCA profession list
- University degree: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in the relevant field
- Job offer: Job offer letter from a US employer
- Qualifications: Demonstrate professional experience and credentials
- Temporary intent: Demonstrate that the stay is temporary (no intent to immigrate)
Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm eligibility: Verify that your profession is on the USMCA eligible occupations list and that you meet educational requirements
- Obtain job offer: Receive a formal offer from a US employer in a qualifying position
- Prepare documentation: Gather job offer letter, professional degrees, certificates, licenses, and identity documents
- Apply for the visa: Mexican citizens apply at a US embassy or consulate. Canadian citizens submit documentation directly at the port of entry
- Consular interview: Attend the interview (Mexicans) or port of entry review (Canadians)
- Enter the US: Once approved, enter with the TN Visa and begin working
Eligible Professions for the TN Visa
The TN Visa covers more than 60 professions under USMCA, including:
- Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, industrial, chemical
- Technology: Systems analysts, programmers, software engineers
- Sciences: Biologists, chemists, physicists, mathematicians
- Business: Accountants, economists, management consultants
- Healthcare: Pharmacists, nutritionists, licensed psychologists
- Education: University professors and researchers
- Law: Licensed attorneys
- Design: Graphic designers, industrial designers, architects
TN Visa Advantages vs. H-1B
- No lottery: No lottery system like H-1B
- Fast processing: Typically 2-4 weeks vs. months for H-1B
- Lower cost: $160 USD vs. thousands of dollars in H-1B fees
- Unlimited renewals: Can renew indefinitely every 3 years
- No annual cap: No limit on the number of TN visas issued per year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the TN Visa cost?
The application fee is $160 USD for Mexican citizens applying at a consulate. Canadians pay $50 USD when applying at a port of entry.
How long is the TN Visa valid?
The TN Visa is valid for up to 3 years and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as you maintain qualifying employment and meet the requirements.
What professions qualify for the TN Visa?
More than 60 professions are listed under USMCA, including engineers, accountants, attorneys, scientists, technology professionals, economists, university professors, and management consultants.
What is the difference between the TN Visa and H-1B?
The TN Visa is exclusive to Mexicans and Canadians under USMCA, does not require a lottery, is faster to obtain, and costs less. H-1B is available to any nationality but requires a lottery and employer sponsorship.
Contact us today for a free consultation about your TN Visa process.