TN Visa – US Work Visa for Canadian Citizens

The TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican professionals (those engaged in the trade of goods, the supply of services, or the conduct of investment activities) who are seeking temporary entry into the United States. A TN professional visa can be valid for up to 3 years and thereafter renewed – there is no limit as to the number of renewals an applicant may secure. Dependents of those in valid TN status may be eligible for TD status.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (which superseded the North American Free Trade Agreement) lists the TN eligible occupations and the corresponding educational and/or experience requirements. The requirements for each profession vary, but generally, a bachelor’s degree is needed to secure TN status. Please click here to see the full list of TN professions.

The TN Visa is one of the great advantages of the favorable diplomatic relationships between the North American countries, it facilitates the flow of labor and allows Canadians and Mexicans to further their careers by gaining valuable work experience in the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my profession is not listed in the USMCA?

Then you are not eligible for TN status. A foreign national may not provide services in other listed occupations.

Can I use a foreign degree to qualify for a TN?

If your degree was awarded by a University outside of the United States, Canada, or Mexico, then you must secure a credentials evaluation to be eligible for a TN Visa.

Can I use a post-secondary diploma to qualify for a TN?

The following occupations list a post-secondary diploma as a possible requirement for a TN Visa: computer systems analysts, graphic designers, hotel managers, industrial designers, interior designers, technical publication writers, medical laboratory technologists and medical technologists. A post-secondary diploma is a credential issued, on competition of two or more years of post-secondary education, by an accredited academic institution in Canada or the United States.

I was denied a TN, can I reapply?

Depending on the reason for the denial, you might be able to reapply.

I changed my job; how will it impact my TN?

You will likely need to amend your TN. You can learn more about the process here.

Is it easier to mail in the TN application or apply at the border?

Generally, it is more cost efficient to apply at the border. A detailed comparison of each application process can be found here.

What are the requirements for a TN Management Consultant?

The applicant must have a Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or equivalent professional experience as established by statement or professional credential attesting to five years experience as a management consultant, or five years experience in a field of specialty related to the consulting agreement.

Can my spouse get TD status even if he/she is not Canadian?

Dependent spouses do not need to be Canadian or Mexican citizens to apply for TD status. Dependents can secure a TN stamp at a U.S. Consulate.

What are the TN Visa Requirements?

They vary based on each case, but a general review can be found here.

Do I qualify for a TN Visa as a Market Research Analyst?

No. However, you might qualify as a TN Economist.

Can I work for more than one employer with a TN?

Yes, you can work for multiple employers. See the following guidelines.

Can I run my own business on a TN?

TN status cannot be used for self-employment. There are other more-suitable categories for such activities, such as E-1 or E-2.

What additional requirements are there for Medical and Health Care Professions?

Certain health care workers must secure a certificate from a credentialing organization verifying that their training and/or licenses meet all statutory and regulatory requirements for entry in the U.S. and are authentic and comparable to that required for an American health-care worker. The certificate must also confirm that the applicant has the required level of English and if a majority of States licensing the profession in which the applicant intends to work recognize a test predicting the success on the profession’s licensing or certification examination, the applicant has passed such a test. The following professional must go through the certification process: licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologist, audiologist, medical technologist (clinical laboratory scientist), physical assistants and medical technicians (clinical laboratory technicians). The certificate is required even if the foreign national was trained in the United States.

Can both Mexican and Canadian citizens apply for a TN at the border?

While Canadian and Mexican citizens may both enjoy the benefits of TN status, there are several differences surrounding processes and procedures for applicants of each nationality. For example, Canadians can apply for TN status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or at select ports-of-entry. Whereas Mexican citizens must apply at a U.S. Consulate.

Can I get a TN to be a Hotel Manager?

Yes, however there are specific requirements. The qualifying degree must be in hotel management or restaurant management. Other related degrees will not render an applicant eligible. If you do not have a bachelor’s degree however, you may further qualify if you possess a post-secondary certificate or diploma in hotel or restaurant management and 3 years of relevant experience.

Looking for help securing a TN Work Visa?

Silver Immigration can guide you through the process of obtaining a US professional visa. Our team will help you understand your visa needs and assist you throughout the process of successfully acquiring a TN visa. Call us today at +1 (888) 799-4769 or book your free consultation directly here to speak with an immigration lawyer.