TN Work Visas
For Canadian & Mexican Professional Workers
TN Work Visas for Canadian & Mexican Professionals
Overview
The TN visa provides an opportunity for Canadian and Mexican citizens to conduct professional activities within the United States for a pre-determined amount of time. Professionals such as lawyers, scientists, engineers, accountants, and teachers, who meet the necessary requirements, are eligible to apply for the visa.
Canadian citizens are able to request admission as a TN nonimmigrant at a U.S. port of entry, and will be asked to present documentation to demonstrate their Canadian citizenship, as well as a letter from their prospective employer detailing the purpose of their employment, their length of stay, and their educational qualifications (as well as a credentials evaluation, if necessary).
Who is Eligible to Apply for a TN
- Applicant must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
- Applicant’s position qualifies under NAFTA regulations
- The proposed position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional
- The applicant has secured a full or part-time job with a US based employer (no self-employment allowed)
- Qualifications are met to perform the requirements of the job in question
Requirements for Canadian Citizens
- Present evidence of Canadian citizenship
- Provide a letter from the prospective employer specifying the details like the professional capacity for which the person will be working in the U.S., the intention of employment, the time of stay, and educational qualifications, and credentials evaluation (if necessary).
Requirements for Mexican Citizens
- Make an application for a TN visa directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico
- Provide evidence of Mexican citizenship
- A letter from the prospective employer detailing information like the professional capacity for which the person will be working in the U.S.
- The objective of the employment, the time of stay, and educational qualifications, as well as credentials evaluation (if necessary).
Visa Expiration & Family Considerations
Usually, the TN visa is granted for a period of 3 years with an option to extend.
Dependents such as spouse and children (under 21 years old) of TN Professionals might be eligible for TD nonimmigrant status. The spouse and children of a Mexican citizen should apply for the TD nonimmigrant status at an American embassy or consulate, while the spouse and children of a Canadian citizen do not need visas, however they must provide the following documentation at the port of entry: proof of Canadian citizenship, evidence of the relationship to the TN nonimmigrant, such as marriage certificate or birth certificate, and photocopies of the TN nonimmigrant’s entry documents.