Key Documents Needed to Support a TN Visa Application

Key Takeaways

• TN visa is for Canadian or Mexican citizens with USMCA-listed temporary job offers in the United States.
• Applicants must provide proof of citizenship, employer support letter, and education or experience documents.
• Canadians apply at US border; Mexicans complete DS-160 and interview at US embassy in Mexico.

If you’re considering working in the United States 🇺🇸 as a professional from Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽, the TN visa offers a special route. This visa is designed for certain jobs and is only available to citizens of these two countries. Before you start the application, it’s important to know if you qualify, what documents you need, and how to make your application as strong as possible. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you decide if you’re eligible for the TN visa, what you must prepare, and what to do if you don’t meet the requirements right now.

Who Can Qualify for a TN Visa?

The TN visa is not open to everyone. There are strict rules about who can apply. You must meet all of these requirements to qualify:

• You must be a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽. Permanent residents, even with a green card from these countries, are not eligible.
• You must have a job offer in the United States 🇺🇸 for a position listed under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) professions. These jobs include roles like engineers, scientists, teachers, accountants, and many more. The full list is available on the U.S. Department of State’s TN Professions List.
• You must meet the specific education or experience requirements for your profession. For example, some jobs require a bachelor’s degree, while others may accept a combination of education and work experience.
• You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer. Self-employment is not allowed under the TN visa.
• Your job in the United States 🇺🇸 must be temporary. You must show that you plan to return to your home country after your work ends.

If you can answer “yes” to all these points, you may be eligible for a TN visa. If you answer “no” to any, you’ll need to look at other options or see if you can fix the problem before applying.

What Documents Do You Need for a TN Visa Application?

Once you know you qualify, the next step is gathering the right documents. Missing or incomplete paperwork is one of the main reasons for delays or denials. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Proof of Citizenship

You must show that you are a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽. The most common way is with a valid passport. For Mexican citizens, you may also need a valid entry document like a NEXUS card.

Examples:
– Canadian passport (must be valid for the entire stay)
– Mexican passport (must be valid for the entire stay)
– NEXUS card (for some Mexican applicants)

Why this matters: U.S. officials need to confirm you are eligible for the TN visa based on your citizenship. If your passport is expired or will expire soon, renew it before applying.

2. Employer Support Letter

This is one of the most important documents in your application. The employer support letter must be on the company’s official letterhead and include:

• The TN visa occupational category (the job title from the USMCA list)
• A detailed description of your job duties and professional activities
• Proof that you meet the education or experience requirements for the job
• The expected length of your stay (up to three years)
• Details about your salary and terms of employment

Example:
A Canadian engineer applying for a TN visa would need a letter from their U.S. employer stating:
– The job title (“Engineer”)
– What the engineer will do each day
– That the applicant has a bachelor’s degree in engineering
– The job will last two years
– The salary offered

Why this matters: U.S. officials use this letter to check that your job matches the TN visa rules and that you are qualified. If the letter is missing details or is not on company letterhead, your application could be delayed or denied.

3. Proof of Education and Experience

You must show you have the right background for the job. This can include:

• Diplomas, degrees, or certificates
• Professional licenses or memberships
• Letters from past employers
• A detailed resume

Example:
If you’re applying as a teacher, you might include your teaching degree, your teaching license, and letters from schools where you’ve worked.

Why this matters: The TN visa is only for certain jobs, and each job has its own requirements. If you can’t prove you meet these, you won’t qualify.

4. Employer Literature

You may need to provide information about your employer, such as:

• Corporate filings
• Financial statements
• Printouts from the company’s website

Why this matters: This helps U.S. officials confirm that your employer is a real company and that the job offer is genuine.

5. Government Forms and Fees

The forms you need depend on your citizenship:

• Canadian citizens: If you apply at a U.S. port of entry (like an airport or land border), you usually don’t need to file a form in advance. If your employer is filing for you while you’re outside the U.S., they must submit Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Mexican citizens: You must fill out the DS-160 online application before your visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico.

Fees: Both forms have fees. Check the official websites for the latest amounts.

Why this matters: Using the wrong form or not paying the fee can stop your application.

6. Additional Documents for Renewal

If you’re renewing your TN visa, you’ll need:

• A new letter from your employer confirming you still have the job, with updated job duties, salary, and TN-eligible profession
• Proof of your professional qualifications (like degree certificates or licenses)
• A valid passport
• Your current I-94 record (the document showing your legal entry to the U.S.) or your previous approval notice

Why this matters: Renewals require proof that you’re still working in a TN-eligible job and that nothing has changed.

How the Application Process Works

The steps you follow depend on whether you’re Canadian or Mexican.

For Canadian Citizens

• You can apply for a TN visa directly at a U.S. port of entry (airport or land border).
• Bring all your documents, including proof of citizenship, employer support letter, proof of education and experience, and employer literature.
• You usually do not need an interview.
• If your employer is filing for you while you’re outside the U.S., they must submit Form I-129 to USCIS.

For Mexican Citizens

• You must first complete the DS-160 online application.
• Pay the visa fee.
• Schedule and attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico.
• Bring all your documents to the interview.

Recent Policy Updates and What They Mean for You

As of July 17, 2025, U.S. immigration officials have made it clear that they expect precise, detailed documentation. This means:

• Your employer support letter must be very clear about your job and qualifications.
• You must show you plan to return to your home country after your job ends (temporary intent).
• You must meet all the requirements for your specific profession.

If your documents are incomplete or unclear, your application could be delayed or denied.

Disqualifying Factors: Who Does Not Qualify for a TN Visa?

You will not qualify for a TN visa if:

• You are not a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽.
• Your job offer is not on the USMCA professions list.
• You do not meet the education or experience requirements for your job.
• You want to be self-employed in the United States 🇺🇸.
• You cannot show that your job is temporary.
• Your documents are incomplete, false, or misleading.

Example:
If you are a permanent resident of Canada 🇨🇦 (but not a citizen), you cannot apply for a TN visa. If you want to work as a chef (not on the USMCA list), you are not eligible.

What If You Don’t Qualify? Alternative Options

If you don’t meet the TN visa requirements, you may have other options:

• H-1B visa: For specialty occupations, open to citizens of any country, but has an annual cap and lottery.
• L-1 visa: For employees transferring within the same company from abroad to the United States 🇺🇸.
• E-2 visa: For investors from certain countries.
• Student visas (F-1, M-1): For those who want to study in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Green Card: For permanent residency, but this is a much longer and more complex process.

Each of these visas has its own rules and requirements. You may need to talk to an immigration lawyer to find the best path for your situation.

How to Improve Your Chances of TN Visa Approval

If you’re eligible but want to make your application as strong as possible, here are some tips:

• Double-check all documents: Make sure your proof of citizenship, employer support letter, and proof of education and experience are complete and up to date.
• Ask your employer to be specific: The employer support letter should clearly explain your job, your qualifications, and why you are needed.
• Keep your documents organized: Bring originals and copies of everything.
• Show temporary intent: Be ready to explain that you plan to return to Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽 after your job ends.
• Stay up to date: Immigration rules can change. Check the USCIS TN visa page for the latest information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting an expired passport or missing proof of citizenship
• Using a job title not on the USMCA list
• Employer support letter missing key details
• Not bringing proof of education or experience
• Applying for self-employment
• Not showing temporary intent

Practical Example:

Maria is a Mexican citizen who has a job offer as a biologist in the United States 🇺🇸. She checks the USMCA list and sees “biologist” is included. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology and several years of experience. She gathers her Mexican passport, a detailed employer support letter, her degree, letters from past employers, and fills out the DS-160 form. She schedules her interview at the U.S. Consulate in Mexico City, brings all her documents, and is approved for a TN visa.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet all the TN visa requirements before applying.
• Gather all required documents: Proof of citizenship, employer support letter, proof of education and experience, employer literature, and the correct government forms.
• Follow the right process for your country: Canadians usually apply at the border; Mexicans must apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Stay organized and up to date: Immigration rules can change, so always check official sources.

For more details and the latest updates, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services TN visa page.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, careful preparation and attention to detail are key to a successful TN visa application. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consider speaking with an immigration professional.

By following these steps and making sure your documents are complete, you can improve your chances of getting a TN visa and starting your professional journey in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

TN visa → A nonimmigrant visa allowing Canadian and Mexican professionals to work temporarily in the United States under USMCA.
USMCA → United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement replacing NAFTA, defining eligible professional job categories for TN visas.
Employer Support Letter → A letter from the U.S. employer detailing job duties, qualifications, salary, and employment duration.
Form I-129 → A USCIS petition form to apply for certain nonimmigrant visas, including TN visa employer filings.
DS-160 → An online nonimmigrant visa application form required for Mexican citizens applying for a TN visa.

This Article in a Nutshell

The TN visa offers Canadian and Mexican professionals a unique chance to work temporarily in the U.S. Clear eligibility and strong documentation increase approval chances significantly.
— By VisaVerge.com