If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen looking to work in the United States, or a U.S. employer looking to hire one, the TN visa may be one of the fastest and most straightforward paths available to making that happen. Created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly NAFTA, the TN visa allows qualified professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. in specific occupations on a temporary basis. Unlike the H-1B, there is no annual lottery, no lengthy government petition process for most applicants, and no cap on how many are issued each year.

Key facts about the TN:

• Only citizens of Canada or Mexico are eligible.
• The occupation must appear on the official USMCA professional list. If the role doesn’t fit a listed category, TN is not an option.
• TN status is granted in increments of up to three years and can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the stay remains temporary in nature.
• Self-employment is not permitted. The applicant must be working for a prearranged employer.
• Spouses and dependent children may accompany a TN holder under TD (TN Dependent) status. TD holders may not work in the U.S. but may study.

Canadian Citizens

Canada’s TN process is notably efficient. CCanadian citizens do not need to apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate; they may instead apply for TN status directly at a U.S. port of entry . This makes the Canadian TN one of the most streamlined work visa options available. While doing so at the port of entry is standard practice for Canadian nationals, they also have the option to apply at a US consulate in Canada if needed.

Employer Responsibilities

Your primary obligation is to provide the prospective employee with a proper employer support letter. This letter is the cornerstone of the TN application and must be thorough and accurate. A vague or incomplete letter is one of the most common reasons for delays or denials.

Your support letter must include:

• The specific USMCA professional category the employee is being hired under.
• A detailed description of the job duties and how they align with that category.
• Confirmation that the position is prearranged and the employment offer is genuine.
• The anticipated duration of employment.
• The employee’s educational qualifications and how they meet the requirements.
• Whether the position is full-time or part-time.
• Your company’s contact information and a signature from an authorized representative.

Beyond the letter, employers should be aware that every TN renewal is a fresh adjudication. Building renewal timelines into HR planning ensures a key employee doesn’t accidentally let their status lapse.

Applicant Requirements

As a Canadian citizen, you can apply for TN status directly at a U.S. port of entry—no advance visa appointment required. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review your documents and adjudicate your status on the spot.

What you must bring to the port of entry:

• Valid Canadian passport.
• The employer support letter (see above)
• Proof of your professional qualifications: diplomas, transcripts, licenses, or professional certifications relevant to your occupation.
• A credentials evaluation if your degree was obtained outside the U.S., Canada, or Mexico (USCIS may request this).
• Payment of the applicable CBP inspection fee.

If approved, you will be admitted in TN status for up to three years. You may renew your TN status at a port of entry or by filing Form I-129 with USCIS if you’re already in the U.S. and wish to avoid travel. There is no limit on how many times you can renew, provided your role remains qualifying and your intent to stay is still temporary.

Mexican Citizens

Mexican nationals must complete consular processing before entering the United States, making the timeline longer and less predictable  Plan accordingly as consular appointment availability in Mexico varies.

Employer Responsibilities

Your responsibilities as an employer are similar to the Canadian process, with the same support letter requirements. However, because your employee must go through a consular interview, the timeline is longer and less predictable. Plan accordingly because consular appointment availability in Mexico varies and can add weeks to the process.

Your support letter must include:

• The specific USMCA professional category the employee is being hired under.
• A detailed description of job duties tied to that category.
• Confirmation that the position is prearranged.
• Anticipated duration of employment.
• The employee’s educational qualifications and how they meet the requirements.
• Whether the position is full-time or part-time.
• Your company’s contact information and an authorized signature.

Applicant Requirements

As a Mexican citizen, you must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico before entering the United States. Once your visa is approved, you will present your documentation to a CBP officer at a designated U.S. port of entry for admission.

What you will need for your consular application:

• Valid Mexican passport.
• Completed online nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160) and the confirmation page.
• A passport-style photo meeting U.S. visa photo requirements (or uploaded with the DS-160).
• The employer support letter.
• Proof of professional qualifications: diplomas, transcripts, licenses, and any relevant certifications.
• Payment of the visa application fee.
• Attendance at a consular interview (generally required; the specific embassy or consulate may have its own scheduling process).

TN visa stamps for Mexican citizens may be issued with validity periods of up to four years under the current reciprocity schedule, although each period of TN status granted upon admission remains limited to up to three years. To extend status without leaving the country, you must file Form I-129 with USCIS. Alternatively, you can depart and apply for a new TN visa at a consulate.

Ready to Move Forward with a TN Visa?

Whether you’re a Canadian or Mexican professional exploring your options, or a U.S. employer looking to bring top talent across the border, the TN process has real advantages, but the details matter. A poorly drafted support letter or a misjudged occupational category can mean unnecessary delays or a denial at the port of entry.

At EO Immigration, we work with both employers and applicants to make sure every piece of the TN application is airtight before you get to the border or the consulate. Contact EO Immigration at info@eoimmigration.com or call (305) 391-2105 and find out whether the TN visa is the right fit for your situation.