The TN visa, also known as the NAFTA Professional visa, is a nonimmigrant visa designed for citizens of Canada or Mexico who are entering the United States to work in specific professional occupations.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points about TN visas:

The TN visa allows qualified Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in pre-arranged business activities for U.S. or foreign employers. This benefits U.S. businesses by attracting skilled professionals from North America to fill specific needs.

Citizens of Canada or Mexico with a job offer in the U.S. for a profession listed on the NAFTA TN Professions list. This list includes occupations across various fields such as engineering, science, business administration, education, and arts. You can find the official list on the USCIS website (https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/tn-nafta-professionals).

• Canadians: Canadian citizens seeking a TN visa can apply for admission at a U.S. port of entry with the required documentation, including proof of Canadian citizenship, evidence of your profession, and a letter from your U.S. employer outlining the job offer and your qualifications.

• Mexicans: Mexican citizens generally require a TN visa obtained in advance from a U.S. consulate or embassy in Mexico. The application process involves similar documentation requirements as Canadians, but you will need to apply abroad and attend a visa interview.

• Pre-Arranged Employment: You must have a pre-arranged job offer in the U.S. from a U.S. employer or a foreign employer with a U.S. branch.
• Profession on NAFTA List: Your profession must be listed on the official NAFTA TN Professions list.
• Temporary Work: The TN visa is for temporary work in the U.S. Initial TN status is granted for a maximum of three years, but extensions may be possible in certain cases.

• Gather Required Documents: Proof of Canadian citizenship, evidence of your profession (degrees, licenses, certifications), and a letter from your U.S. employer.
• Present Documents at Port of Entry: Appear at a designated U.S. port of entry and present your documents to a CBP officer for inspection and approval

• Gather Required Documents: Proof of Mexican citizenship, evidence of your profession, and a letter from your U.S. employer.
• File Petition with USCIS (Optional): In some cases, an attorney may recommend filing a petition with USCIS before your visa interview.
• Apply for TN Visa Abroad: Submit your application and supporting documents to a U.S. consulate or embassy in Mexico and attend a visa interview.

• Canadians: The application process for Canadians at a port of entry can be completed in a single day, depending on wait times and officer review.
• Mexicans: Processing times for Mexican TN visa applications can vary depending on the workload at the U.S. consulate or embassy. It typically takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

• Citizenship Requirement: The TN visa is only available to citizens of Canada or Mexico.
• Profession on List: Ensure your profession is clearly listed on the official NAFTA TN Professions list.
• Legal Representation: Consulting with an immigration attorney experienced with TN visas can be helpful to ensure you meet the requirements and navigate the application process smoothly.