Temporary Work Visas
TN Visa Attorney for Canadian & Mexican Professionals
The TN category allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the United States in one of the professional occupations listed under the USMCA agreement. The occupation must appear on the list, and the individual must hold the specific credentials the list requires for that occupation.
TN is often faster and less expensive than other work categories, but it is narrower: if the job does not match a listed profession, TN is not available regardless of the person's qualifications.
TN requirements
- Citizenship of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents of those countries do not qualify)
- A position that falls within a listed USMCA professional occupation
- The degree, license or credential the list specifies for that occupation
- A pre-arranged position with a U.S. employer or a U.S. entity's client
- Temporary intent — TN is a nonimmigrant category
- A support letter describing the role, duration, credentials and terms
How Canadians and Mexican nationals apply
Canadian citizens may generally request TN classification at a U.S. port of entry or pre-clearance location with the supporting documentation in hand. Mexican citizens generally apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate before seeking admission. Employers can also file a petition with USCIS in some situations, including extensions from inside the United States.
Changing employers and extending TN status
TN status is employer-specific. A new employer requires a new admission request or petition, and adding a second employer requires separate authorization. Extensions are available in increments as long as the role and the temporary intent remain intact.
TN compared with H-1B
TN has no annual cap, no lottery and no labor condition application, which makes it attractive for eligible roles. H-1B reaches occupations that TN does not, allows dual intent, and can sit more comfortably alongside a permanent residence process. Where a worker plans to pursue a green card, the choice deserves careful discussion.
Common TN problems
- A job description that does not track the listed occupation
- Credentials that do not match the requirement for that profession
- Roles that look like self-employment in the United States
- Support letters that read as permanent rather than temporary
- Repeated extensions without evidence of continuing temporary intent
- Third-party placement arrangements without clear documentation
Frequently asked questions
Is there an annual limit on TN admissions?
No. The TN category is not subject to a numerical cap or lottery.
Can a TN professional be self-employed in the United States?
TN is not designed for self-employment in the U.S. The position must be with a U.S. employer or entity, and self-employment arrangements are closely scrutinized.
How long is TN status granted?
TN admissions are granted in increments and may be extended, provided the role and the temporary nature of the stay continue to qualify.
Can a TN worker apply for a green card?
TN is a temporary category without dual intent, so pursuing permanent residence while in TN status requires careful planning. Many workers change to another category first.
Do TN dependents get work authorization?
Dependents may accompany the TN professional in a dependent status, which does not include general employment authorization.
Does a Canadian citizen need a visa stamp?
Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa stamp for TN classification and may request admission at a port of entry with the required documentation.
Primary government sources
Written by the Blasingame Law LLC team. Attorney reviewer: Amber L. Blasingame — [ATTORNEY REVIEW REQUIRED BEFORE PUBLISHING]. Last reviewed: [ADD LEGAL REVIEW DATE].
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