United States of America · work sponsored
TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Non-immigrant work visa under USMCA for Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed professions.
- Processing time
- Canadians: same-day decision at port of entry. Mexicans: consular processing.
- Government fees
- Canadians at POE USD 56 filing. Mexicans DS-160 USD 185. I-129 change of status USD 1,015.
- Typical duration
- Up to 3 years; renewable indefinitely while activity continues.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
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.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
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.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantCheck TN application route ↗
Canadian and Mexican professionals use this USCIS page to confirm whether to apply at the border, consulate, or through Form I-129.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services · verified
Fees and processing time
A typical TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) application runs about US$56 in government fees (canadian citizen, port-of-entry filing). A decision then typically takes 1 days – 4 weeks. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
Matches these professions
Also explored by
Compare United States of America with
Related routes
H-1B Specialty Occupation
Employer-sponsored non-immigrant visa for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, athletics (O-1A) or the arts/film/television (O-1B).
Frequently asked questions
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.
As a Canadian, how fast can I get TN status and how much does it cost at the border?+
Canadian citizens typically receive a same-day decision when applying at a Class A land port of entry or pre-flight inspection, with a USD 56 filing fee, and no visa stamp is issued. You need an employer support letter matching your role to a USMCA-listed profession plus your credentials; CBP routinely denies cases with weak evidence of non-immigrant intent.
Does the TN visa lead to a US green card the way the H-1B can?+
No. The TN is not dual-intent and is not a direct path to permanent residence, and active green-card intent can affect admission or renewal. It is renewable indefinitely in up to 3-year increments while the qualifying activity continues, but any settlement strategy must be planned separately and carefully with counsel.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor →