TN Visa

The TN visa is a wonderful business visa for professional workers from Canada and Mexico. There are 65 listed professions which may be used in order to obtain TN status ranging from Interior Designer and Accountant to Soil Scientist and College Professor. 

Advantages of this category are many: being able to apply at any time of year; minimal government filing fees; 65 job categories and not having to satisfy prevailing wage requirements. The TN visa may be given in three-year increments and applicants may apply for numerous extensions, although there are circumstances where switching to an H-1B or other visa is advised.

Eligibility Requirements for a TN Visa

Basic factors determining an applicant's eligibility include:

  • Offer of temporary employment or agreement for business services from a U.S. company

  • The employment should be temporary in nature (under three years), however the status may theoretically be renewed each term without limit

  • The applicant must meet the minimum requirements for their position, as listed on the NAFTA list

  • The applicant must demonstrate his or her intent to depart the United States when the authorized stay expires

  • Must be a citizen of Canada and Mexico

Examples of Successful Cases that Qualify for a TN

The TN visa has 65 categories. A few examples of successful cases on which we have worked include:

  • Engineer (Software, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical)

  • Computer Systems Analyst

  • Economist

  • Scientific Technician/Technologist

  • Management Consultant

  • Hotel Manager

  • Recreational Therapist

  • Interior Designer

  • Urban Planner 

  • Teacher

  • Technical Publications Writer 

  • Graphic Designer

  • Geologist

Difference between an TN and H-1B Visa

Some people prefer this visa to an H-1B because:

  • In certain cases, a person is not eligible for an H-1B but can still apply for a TN because some TN positions do not require attainment of a bachelor's degree

  • A person has already exhausted their six year limit in H-1B status

  • The applicant is in J status but cannot apply for an H-1B due to the two year home residency requirement

  • Filing fees are much lower 

  • There is no limit on the total number of TN admissions that can be granted per year

  • Prevailing wage requirements do not apply

  • Qualified applicants can apply for the TN visa at a port of entry (expedited service) or through the Vermont Service Center (avoiding intense scrutiny at the port of entry).

Application Procedures for Canadian and Mexican TN’s

We have worked with Canadian and Mexican TN visa applicants and handled cases through US consulates, Ports of Entry and also change of status applications in the United States. Factors such as nationality, immigration history, TN category and employment start date will all impact the best method for obtaining TN status.

Green Card Procedures for TN Visa Holders

We know how valuable well trained, professional employees are to the success of your business. When your TN employee is someone you’d like to retain long term, we can assist you in obtaining their green card, which can lead to employee loyalty and business growth. Sometimes this includes changing the person’s status to a different visa category, but that is not always required.