Mexican applicants · United States of America
TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) for Mexican citizens
Non-immigrant work visa under USMCA for Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed professions.
This page covers the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) specifically for Mexican applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Mexico. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 1 days – 4 weeks
- Government fees
- US$56
- Typical duration
- Up to 3 years; renewable indefinitely while activity continues.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
- USMCA
- US E-1/E-2 Treaty
Consular processing: Mexico City / Monterrey / Guadalajara / Tijuana / Ciudad Juárez
Tourist entry vs. this route
Mexican nationals require a visa for any entry into United States of America. The TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Key figures for Mexican applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
Government cost
US$56
Canadian citizen, port-of-entry filing
TD dependants (spouse and children under 21) pay the same port-of-entry / consular fees as the principal applicant.
Verified 1 June 2026 · State Department — Fees for Visa Services →
How long it takes
1 days – 4 weeks
Canadian citizens: same-day port-of-entry adjudication possible. Mexican citizens: 1–4 weeks consular processing. In-country USCIS change of status: 2–8 months.
Verified 1 June 2026 · USCIS — TN NAFTA Professionals →
Visa overview
The TN visa implements the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) preferential professional categories for Canadian and Mexican citizens. The list of qualifying professions (Appendix 2 to Annex 16-A of the USMCA) includes engineers, scientists, accountants, lawyers, architects, and many healthcare roles. TN is not dual-intent and is not a direct path to permanent residence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Canadian or Mexican citizenship.
- ✓Job offer in a profession listed in USMCA Appendix 2 to Annex 16-A.
- ✓Beneficiary has the qualifications required for the listed profession (typically a bachelor’s or licence).
- ✓Temporary intent to enter the US (not dual-intent).
Common blockers
- !Offered role not matching a listed USMCA profession.
- !Filing a US green-card application that undermines non-immigrant intent.
Typical evidence
- ·Employer support letter describing the role and matching USMCA category.
- ·Proof of citizenship and relevant credentials.
Application pathway
Employer prepares support letter
Letter matches duties to USMCA profession and confirms temporary intent.
Apply at port of entry (Canadians) or consulate (Mexicans)
Canadians typically apply at a Class A POE; Mexicans apply at a US consulate.
Work in TN status
Extensions filed via I-129 or at POE for Canadians.
Not sure United States of America is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer work sponsored routes that Mexican nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Mexican citizens eligible for the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)?+
Eligibility for the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) is set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Mexican applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: USMCA, US E-1/E-2 Treaty. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Mexican applicants typically file the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)?+
Mexico City / Monterrey / Guadalajara / Tijuana / Ciudad Juárez. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Mexican applicants need a tourist visa for United States of America as well?+
Mexican nationals require a visa for any entry into United States of America. The TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
How much does the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) cost for a Mexican applicant?+
Government fees for the worked example (Canadian citizen, port-of-entry filing) total about US$56. TD dependants (spouse and children under 21) pay the same port-of-entry / consular fees as the principal applicant. Figures from State Department — Fees for Visa Services, verified 1 June 2026. Treat these as indicative — confirm the current schedule on the official source before budgeting.
How long does the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) take to process from Mexico?+
The typical published decision window is 1 days – 4 weeks. Mexican applicants usually file via Mexico City / Monterrey / Guadalajara / Tijuana / Ciudad Juárez, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: USCIS — TN NAFTA Professionals, verified 1 June 2026.
Is the TN dual-intent?+
No. Unlike H-1B and L-1, TN is not a dual-intent visa. Active green-card intent can affect admission or renewal; applicants typically plan any adjustment strategy carefully with counsel.