What Is a TN Visa and Who Qualifies Under the USMCA?

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Key Takeaways

• TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work temporarily in approved USMCA professions in the United States.
• Applicants must have a US-based employer’s job offer, meet education/licensing, and show temporary intent to qualify.
• Recent 2025 rules prohibit self-employment and require Canadian applicants to apply at US preclearance in Canada.

If you’re considering working in the United States 🇺🇸 as a professional from Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽, the TN visa might be the right path for you. This visa, created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), lets certain professionals work in the United States 🇺🇸 for a set period. However, not everyone qualifies. Below, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step guide to TN visa eligibility, what you need to apply, who does not qualify, and what you can do if you’re not eligible right now.

Understanding the TN Visa and USMCA

What Is a TN Visa and Who Qualifies Under the USMCA?

The TN visa is a special work visa for citizens of Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽. It was first introduced under NAFTA and continues under the USMCA. The main goal is to make it easier for professionals from these countries to work in the United States 🇺🇸 in certain jobs. These jobs are listed in the USMCA and cover a wide range of fields, such as science, teaching, medicine, and business.

Who Can Apply for a TN Visa? (Yes/No Qualification Criteria)

To qualify for a TN visa, you must meet all the following requirements. If you answer “no” to any of these, you likely do not qualify at this time.

1. Are you a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽?
– Only citizens of these two countries can apply. Permanent residents, even with Canadian or Mexican residency, do not qualify.

2. Do you have a job offer from a U.S. employer or entity?
– You must have a written job offer for a full-time or part-time position in the United States 🇺🇸. The job must be with a U.S.-based employer. Self-employment is not allowed, and foreign-owned companies that are not U.S.-based cannot sponsor you.

3. Is your job on the USMCA list of approved professions?
– The USMCA has a specific list of jobs that qualify for the TN visa. These include professions like engineers, scientists, teachers, accountants, and more. If your job is not on the list, you cannot apply for a TN visa.

4. Do you meet the educational and licensing requirements for your profession?
– Each profession on the USMCA list has its own requirements. For example, engineers must have a relevant degree and sometimes a license. You must show proof that you meet these requirements.

5. Do you plan to work in the United States 🇺🇸 temporarily?
– The TN visa is for temporary work only. You must show that you plan to return to your home country after your job ends.

If you answered “yes” to all five questions, you may be eligible for a TN visa. Let’s look at each requirement in more detail.

Detailed TN Visa Requirements

1. Citizenship

Only citizens of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽 can apply.
You must show a valid passport from your country.
Permanent residents or dual citizens of other countries do not qualify.

Example:
Maria is a Mexican citizen living in Canada 🇨🇦 as a permanent resident. She cannot apply for a TN visa as a Canadian; she must apply as a Mexican citizen.

2. Job Offer from a U.S. Employer

The job must be with a U.S.-based employer or entity.
The offer must be for a job that is either full-time or part-time.
Self-employment is not allowed. You cannot use the TN visa to start your own business in the United States 🇺🇸.
Foreign-owned companies that are not U.S.-based cannot sponsor TN visas.

Example:
John, a Canadian citizen, receives a job offer from a U.S. tech company with offices in Toronto and New York. If the job is based in New York and the employer is a U.S. entity, he can apply. If the job is with the Canadian branch, he cannot use the TN visa.

3. Profession Must Be on the USMCA List

The USMCA lists about 60 professions that qualify for the TN visa. These include:
- Accountants
- Engineers
- Scientists (biologists, chemists, physicists)
- Teachers (college, university, seminary)
- Medical professionals (nurses, dentists, veterinarians)
- Computer systems analysts
- Management consultants
Each profession has its own requirements for education and experience.

Example:
Sofia is a Canadian citizen with a job offer as a graphic designer in the United States 🇺🇸. Graphic designer is not on the USMCA list, so she cannot apply for a TN visa.

4. Qualifications and Licensing

You must meet the minimum education and licensing requirements for your profession.
This usually means having a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
Some jobs require professional licenses (for example, registered nurses).
You must provide proof, such as diplomas, transcripts, and licenses.

Example:
Carlos, a Mexican citizen, has a job offer as a civil engineer in the United States 🇺🇸. He has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a professional license from Mexico. He meets the requirements for the TN visa.

5. Temporary Intent

The TN visa is for temporary work. You must show you plan to return to Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽 after your job ends.
You do not need to prove you have a home abroad, but you cannot plan to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 permanently.

Example:
Emily, a Canadian citizen, tells the officer at the border that she plans to apply for a green card after arriving in the United States 🇺🇸. This could cause her TN visa to be denied, as the visa is for temporary stays only.

Recent Policy Changes Affecting TN Visa Eligibility

In June 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 made several important changes to the TN visa process. These changes affect both new applicants and those already working in the United States 🇺🇸 on a TN visa.

Key Updates:

Employer Requirements: Only U.S.-based employers or entities can sponsor TN visas. Self-employment is not allowed, and foreign-owned companies that are not U.S.-based cannot sponsor TN visas.
Profession-Specific Changes: Some jobs now have stricter requirements. For example, engineers must meet a four-part test, including having a relevant degree and performing engineering tasks.
Application Procedures: Canadian applicants must now apply at U.S. preclearance or preflight stations located in Canada 🇨🇦. Mexican applicants must schedule a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico 🇲🇽.

What This Means for Applicants:

You must double-check that your job and qualifications still meet the new rules.
If you are self-employed or your employer is not a U.S.-based entity, you are no longer eligible.
Some professions, like Scientific Technicians/Technologists and Engineers, have new, stricter rules.

Required Documents for a TN Visa Application

To apply for a TN visa, you need to gather several important documents. Missing any of these can delay or stop your application.

For All Applicants:

Valid Passport: Must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in the United States 🇺🇸.
Detailed Job Offer Letter: The letter should include your job title, duties, salary, and how long you will work.
Proof of Qualifications: Diplomas, transcripts, and professional licenses that show you meet the job requirements.

For Mexican Citizens:

DS-160 Confirmation Page: You must fill out the DS-160 form online and bring the confirmation page to your visa interview.

For Canadian Citizens:

You do not need a visa stamp in your passport, but you must present all documents at a U.S. port of entry or preclearance station in Canada 🇨🇦.

Tip:
Always bring original documents and copies. If your documents are not in English, bring certified translations.

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

Even if you meet some requirements, certain factors will disqualify you from getting a TN visa.

Not a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽
No job offer from a U.S.-based employer
Job not on the USMCA list
Do not meet education or licensing requirements
Plan to work in the United States 🇺🇸 permanently
Self-employment or job with a non-U.S.-based company
Criminal record or previous immigration violations

Example:
Luis, a Mexican citizen, wants to open his own consulting business in the United States 🇺🇸. He cannot use the TN visa for self-employment.

Alternative Options If You’re Not Eligible

If you do not qualify for a TN visa, there are other ways to work in the United States 🇺🇸. Here are some common alternatives:

H-1B Visa: For specialty occupations that require a bachelor’s degree or higher. This visa is open to citizens of all countries but has an annual lottery and strict caps.
L-1 Visa: For employees transferring within the same company from an office abroad to a U.S. office.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: For citizens of countries that have a treaty with the United States 🇺🇸 who want to invest in a U.S. business.
O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability in their field (arts, sciences, business, athletics).
Student Visas (F-1, M-1): For those who want to study in the United States 🇺🇸 and may later qualify for work authorization.

How to Improve Your Chances of Qualifying

If you’re close to qualifying but not quite there, here are steps you can take:

Get the Right Degree or License: If your profession requires a specific degree or license, work on getting it before applying.
Find a U.S.-Based Employer: Make sure your job offer is from a company or organization based in the United States 🇺🇸.
Check the USMCA List: Review the official list of TN professions to see if your job qualifies.
Gather Strong Documentation: Collect all diplomas, transcripts, licenses, and letters of reference.
Consult an Immigration Expert: If you’re unsure, talk to a professional who can review your case and help you prepare.

Application Process: Step-by-Step

For Canadian Citizens:

Gather all required documents.
Go to a U.S. port of entry or preclearance station in Canada 🇨🇦.
Present your documents to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
If approved, you’ll be admitted to the United States 🇺🇸 in TN status.

For Mexican Citizens:

Complete the DS-160 form online.
Schedule a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico 🇲🇽.
Bring all required documents to your interview.
If approved, you’ll receive a TN visa stamp in your passport and can travel to the United States 🇺🇸.

Fees:
Fees vary depending on where you apply. Check the official USCIS website for the latest information.

What Happens After Approval?

You can work in the United States 🇺🇸 for up to three years at a time.
You can renew your TN visa as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
Your spouse and children (under 21) can come with you under TD status, but they cannot work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for a job not on the USMCA list.
Not having the right degree or license.
Trying to use the TN visa for self-employment.
Not bringing all required documents.
Giving unclear answers about your plans to return home.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, many TN visa denials happen because applicants do not fully understand the profession-specific requirements or try to use the visa for jobs that are not on the approved list. Careful preparation and checking the latest rules can help you avoid these problems.

Where to Find Official Information

Always use official government sources for the most up-to-date TN visa information. The USCIS TN visa page is the best place to start.

Final Takeaways

The TN visa is a great option for Canadian and Mexican professionals who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸 temporarily.
You must have a job offer in a USMCA-listed profession, meet all education and licensing requirements, and work for a U.S.-based employer.
Recent changes have made the rules stricter, especially for self-employment and certain professions.
If you do not qualify, consider other visa options or work on meeting the requirements.
Always check official sources and prepare your documents carefully to improve your chances of approval.

By following these steps and understanding the rules, you can decide if the TN visa is right for you and take action to start your professional journey in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

TN Visa → A temporary work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA agreement.
USMCA → United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement replacing NAFTA with updated trade and labor rules.
Preclearance Station → US customs facilities in Canada where Canadians apply for TN visas before entering the US.
DS-160 → Electronic visa application form required for Mexican citizens applying for US visas including TN visas.
Self-Employment → Working independently without employer sponsorship, which is not allowed under the TN visa rules.

This Article in a Nutshell

The TN visa under USMCA offers Canadians and Mexicans work opportunities in the US for specific professions. Eligibility requires citizenship, job offers from US employers, and meeting professional criteria. Recent policy updates tightened sponsor eligibility and application procedures, emphasizing temporary work and documented qualifications.
— By VisaVerge.com