Comprehensive TN Visa Professions and Occupations List Overview

Key Takeaways

• The TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the United States under the USMCA agreement.
• TN visa applies only to specific professions listed since 1994; self-employment and third-party placements are prohibited.
• Applicants must meet education, job offer, and intent to return requirements; application processes differ for Canada and Mexico.

The TN visa is a special work visa that lets citizens of Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽 work in the United States 🇺🇸 in certain jobs. This visa is part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the old NAFTA trade deal. The TN visa is popular because it offers a fast and flexible way for professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the United States 🇺🇸, but it comes with strict rules about which jobs qualify and who can apply.

Let’s break down what the TN visa is, who can get it, which jobs are allowed, and what you need to know about applying and working under this program.

Comprehensive TN Visa Professions and Occupations List Overview

What Is the TN Visa?

The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa. This means it is for people who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸 for a set period, not for those who want to move there permanently. The TN visa was created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to make it easier for professionals from Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽 to work in the United States 🇺🇸 in certain fields.

The TN visa is only for specific jobs, called “professions.” These professions are listed in the agreement, and the list has not changed since 1994. If your job is not on the list, you cannot get a TN visa.

Who Can Apply for a TN Visa?

To qualify for a TN visa, you must meet all of these requirements:

Be a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽 (permanent residents do not qualify)
Have a job offer in the United States 🇺🇸 in one of the approved professions
Meet the education and experience requirements for that profession (for example, a bachelor’s degree or specific license)
Plan to work for a U.S. employer (self-employment is not allowed)
Intend to return home after your work in the United States 🇺🇸 ends

If you do not meet all these requirements, you cannot get a TN visa.

TN Visa Professions: The Official List

The TN visa only covers certain jobs. These are called “TN professions.” The list has not changed since 1994, even though the job market has changed a lot. Here are the current TN visa professions:

Accountant
Architect
Computer Systems Analyst
Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster
Economist
Engineer
Forester
Graphic Designer
Hotel Manager
Industrial Designer
Interior Designer
Land Surveyor
Landscape Architect
Lawyer
Librarian
Management Consultant
Mathematician / Statistician / Actuary
Range Manager / Conservationist
Research Assistant
Scientific Technician / Technologist
Social Worker
Sylviculturist / Forestry Specialist
Technical Publications Writer
Urban Planner / Geographer
Vocational Counselor

If your job title is not on this list, you cannot get a TN visa, even if your work is similar. For example, most software developers and IT workers do not qualify unless their job fits the “Computer Systems Analyst” or “Engineer” categories and meets all the rules.

Key Requirements for TN Visa Professions

Each TN profession has its own requirements. Usually, you need a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field. Some jobs, like “Management Consultant,” may accept experience instead of a degree, but this is rare and often leads to more questions from immigration officers.

Important points:

Job title and duties must match the TN profession: Your job offer letter must clearly show that your job fits one of the listed professions. Immigration officers will check your job duties, not just your job title.
Education and licenses: You must have the right degree or license for your profession. For example, to work as an engineer, you need an engineering degree.
No self-employment: You cannot use the TN visa to start your own business in the United States 🇺🇸. You must work for a U.S. employer.

Recent Policy Changes and Stricter Rules

In 2025, U.S. immigration authorities made some changes to how they review TN visa applications:

Stricter documentation: Immigration officers now look more closely at your job offer, job duties, and proof that you plan to return home when your visa ends.
No self-employment or third-party placements: You cannot use the TN visa to work for yourself or be sent to work for another company that is not your direct employer.
Special rules for Scientific Technician/Technologist: You must have science or engineering knowledge and work under a qualified supervisor. Jobs that involve patient care do not qualify, but lab or research jobs might if they are linked to science.
Engineer category is more limited: To qualify as an engineer, you must have an engineering degree, your job duties must match engineering work, and your job title must reflect this. Most software and IT jobs do not count unless they are truly engineering roles.

These changes mean that both applicants and employers need to be very careful with their paperwork and job descriptions.

How to Apply for a TN Visa

The application process is different for Canadians and Mexicans.

For Canadian Citizens 🇨🇦

No visa needed before travel: Canadians can apply for TN status at a U.S. port of entry (like an airport or land border) without getting a visa first.
Bring all documents: You must bring your job offer letter, proof of citizenship, diplomas, licenses, and any other required paperwork.
Speak with a CBP officer: The officer will review your documents and decide if you qualify.
If approved: You get TN status and can start working right away.

For Mexican Citizens 🇲🇽

Visa required before travel: Mexicans must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico 🇲🇽.
Schedule an interview: You will need to attend an interview and bring all your documents.
If approved: You get a TN visa in your passport and can then travel to the United States 🇺🇸 to start work.

Application Documents

You will need:

A detailed job offer letter from your U.S. employer, explaining your job title, duties, salary, and how your job fits the TN profession
Proof of citizenship (passport)
Diplomas, degrees, or licenses that match the TN profession
Resume or CV
Any required licenses or certifications

For more details on the application process and required forms, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) TN visa page.

What Rights and Limitations Do TN Visa Holders Have?

Rights:

Work legally in the United States 🇺🇸 for the employer and job listed in your application
Bring your spouse and children (under 21) with you on TD visas (they cannot work, but can study)
Renew your TN visa as many times as needed, as long as you still qualify and plan to return home

Limitations:

Cannot change employers or jobs without getting new approval
Cannot work in a different job or for a different employer than the one listed in your application
Cannot start your own business or be self-employed
Cannot apply for a green card (permanent residency) directly from TN status; you must switch to another visa category first
Must show intent to return home when your job ends

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Canadian Engineer

Sarah is a Canadian citizen with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She gets a job offer from a U.S. construction company to work as a civil engineer. She brings her job offer letter, degree, and passport to the airport and applies for TN status. The officer checks her documents, sees that “Engineer” is on the TN professions list, and approves her for TN status. Sarah can now work in the United States 🇺🇸 as a civil engineer.

Example 2: Mexican Computer Systems Analyst

Carlos is a Mexican citizen with a degree in computer science. He is offered a job as a computer systems analyst by a U.S. tech company. He applies for a TN visa at the U.S. consulate in Mexico 🇲🇽, brings his documents, and attends an interview. The officer checks that “Computer Systems Analyst” is on the TN professions list and that Carlos’s job duties match the requirements. Carlos gets his TN visa and can now work in the United States 🇺🇸.

Example 3: Not Eligible – Software Developer

Maria is a Canadian software developer. She wants to work in the United States 🇺🇸, but her job title is “Software Developer,” which is not on the TN professions list. Unless her job can be described as “Computer Systems Analyst” or “Engineer” and meets all the rules, she cannot get a TN visa.

Practical Implications for Applicants and Employers

For Applicants:

Check the professions list before applying. If your job is not on the list, you cannot get a TN visa.
Prepare strong documentation. Your job offer letter should clearly explain how your job fits the TN profession.
Be ready for questions. Immigration officers may ask about your job duties, education, and plans to return home.
Do not try to use the TN visa for self-employment. This is not allowed and will lead to denial.

For Employers:

Write clear job descriptions that match the TN professions list.
Check your candidate’s qualifications to make sure they meet the education and experience requirements.
Stay updated on policy changes. Rules can change, and stricter enforcement means more paperwork and possible delays.
Do not use the TN visa for contract workers or third-party placements. The worker must be your direct employee.

Challenges and Future Changes

The TN visa program faces some challenges:

Outdated professions list: The list has not changed since 1994, so many modern jobs, especially in tech, are not covered.
Stricter enforcement: Immigration officers are checking documents more carefully, especially for jobs that are close to the edge of the professions list.
Political changes: Changes in government could lead to stricter rules or new requirements, but the TN visa is protected by the trade agreement, so big changes are unlikely without changes to the USMCA.

There are talks about updating the professions list to include more modern jobs, but nothing has changed yet. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, both applicants and employers should watch for updates and be careful to follow all current rules.

Comparing the TN Visa to Other U.S. Work Visas

H-1B visa: Covers more jobs, including many tech roles, but has an annual cap and a lottery system. TN visas have no cap and are usually faster to get.
L-1 visa: For employees transferring within the same company from abroad. TN is only for certain professions and does not require you to work for a multinational company.
E-2 visa: For investors and entrepreneurs. TN does not allow self-employment or business ownership.

Steps to Take Next

Check if your job is on the TN professions list.
Make sure you meet all education and experience requirements.
Get a detailed job offer letter from your U.S. employer.
Gather all required documents.
Apply at the right place (port of entry for Canadians, U.S. consulate for Mexicans).
Stay informed about policy changes by checking the USCIS TN visa page and consulting with an immigration attorney if needed.

Conclusion

The TN visa is a valuable option for Canadian 🇨🇦 and Mexican 🇲🇽 professionals who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸, but it comes with strict rules about who can apply and which jobs qualify. The list of TN visa professions has not changed in decades, so it is important to check if your job fits before applying. Both applicants and employers must pay close attention to the requirements and prepare strong documentation to avoid delays or denials. For the latest information and official guidance, always check the USCIS TN visa page and consider getting legal advice.

By understanding the rules and preparing carefully, you can make the most of the TN visa program and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Learn Today

TN visa → A non-immigrant visa allowing Canadian and Mexican citizens to work temporarily in the U.S. under USMCA.
USMCA → United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement replacing NAFTA, governing trade and work visa arrangements like the TN visa.
Professions → Specific job categories eligible under the TN visa defined by USMCA since 1994.
Self-employment → Working for oneself rather than an employer; not permitted under the TN visa program.
Port of entry → Location where Canadian citizens apply for TN status directly during U.S. border or airport entry.

This Article in a Nutshell

The TN visa provides fast access for Canadian and Mexican professionals to work temporarily in the U.S. under USMCA. Strict job categories and documentation requirements apply. Applicants must meet specific education criteria and hold an approved job offer. Recent policy changes enforce stricter reviews, making careful preparation essential for success.
— By VisaVerge.com