TN Visa Services

If you are a Canadian or Mexican professional seeking employment opportunities in the United States, the TN nonimmigrant status may provide a fast and effective pathway to legally work for a U.S. employer. The TN classification was originally established under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and is now governed by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA. It allows qualified professionals from Canada and Mexico to enter and remain in the United States temporarily to perform prearranged professional services for a U.S. employer in one of the designated occupations listed in the USMCA.

The TN (Trade NAFTA) visa is a nonimmigrant visa classification available exclusively to qualified citizens of Canada and Mexico. The visa allows professionals in certain occupations to work in the United States for a U.S. employer on a temporary basis.

To qualify for TN status, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
• Have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer
• Work in an eligible profession listed under the USMCA
• Meet the educational and professional qualifications for the position
• Demonstrate an intent to engage in temporary employment

TN visas are generally granted for up to three years and may be renewed if eligibility requirements continue to be met.

Meeting TN visa requirements is critical for a successful application. USCIS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection closely examine both the offered position and the applicant’s qualifications.

Key TN visa requirements include:

Eligible Profession

The position must fall within one of the approved professional occupations under the USMCA.

Required Credentials

Applicants must possess the education, licenses, certifications, or experience required for the profession.

Prearranged Employment

A valid employment offer from a U.S. employer is required before applying for TN status.

Temporary Intent

TN classification is intended for temporary employment, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent.

USCIS recently updated its policy guidance regarding TN visa eligibility and occupation-specific requirements. These changes may affect both employers and applicants seeking TN classification.

Self-Employment Is Not Allowed

The updated guidance makes clear that TN employment must be performed for a U.S. employer. Individuals attempting to establish a company solely to facilitate self-employment may be denied TN status.  

Engineers Face Increased Scrutiny

 Applicants applying under the Engineer category must possess a degree directly related to engineering.

USCIS may review educational credentials to determine whether they align with the offered engineering role. Professionals working in software development, systems analysis, or other computer-related occupations generally cannot qualify under the Engineer category unless they possess degrees or professional credentials specifically related to computer or software engineering.

Economist Positions Must Focus on Economic Analysis

USCIS now requires economist positions to involve genuine economic analysis duties.

Positions focused primarily on:

• Marketing
• Market research
• Financial analysis

may not qualify under the TN Economist category, regardless of the job title used by the employer.

Computer Systems Analysts

Computer Systems Analysts must demonstrate:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree; or
• A qualifying post-secondary diploma or certificate combined with at least three years of experience

The updated guidance clarifies that this category applies to professionals who analyze business and user needs and implement computer-based systems solutions.

Programming roles are generally excluded from this classification.

Physicians Limited to Teaching and Research

Physicians entering under the TN category may engage only in teaching or research activities.

Direct patient care is generally prohibited unless it is incidental to approved teaching or research responsibilities.

Scientific Technicians and Technologists

Scientific Technician/Technologist applicants must directly support a supervising professional.

The supervising professional must:

• Oversee the work performed
• Coordinate assignments
• Review completed work
• Ensure the work directly supports specialized professional functions

For Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens may apply directly at a U.S. port of entry or pre-flight inspection location.

Applicants generally submit:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship
• Employment support letter
• Educational credentials
• Professional licenses, if required
• Evidence of qualifications

For Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens must first obtain a TN visa through a U.S. consulate before seeking admission to the United States.

The process generally includes:

• Completing the DS-160 application
• Scheduling a visa interview
• Presenting supporting documentation
• Attending a consular interview

TN Visa Renewal 

 Many professionals continue working in the United States through TN visa renewals.

Extensions may be requested through:

• USCIS filing by the employer
• Reapplication at a port of entry (for eligible Canadian citizens)

Proper planning is important to avoid employment interruptions and maintain lawful status.

While the TN visa process is often faster than other employment-based visa categories, USCIS and border officers are increasingly scrutinizing applications.

A TN visa attorney can help:

• Evaluate eligibility
• Review employment offers
• Confirm occupational classifications
• Prepare supporting documentation
• Address Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Assist with TN visa renewals
• Navigate complex occupation-specific requirements

Legal guidance can help reduce delays, denials, and costly mistakes.

At PSBP Law, our immigration attorneys help professionals and employers navigate employment-based immigration matters with confidence.

We provide:

• Personalized legal strategies
• Comprehensive case evaluations
• TN visa application support
• Employer compliance guidance
• Assistance with renewals and status maintenance
• Up-to-date advice regarding USCIS policy changes

Our team understands the evolving TN visa landscape and works diligently to help clients achieve their immigration goals.