Key Takeaways
• The TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican professionals to work temporarily in the U.S. under USMCA rules.
• A detailed employer letter proving job legitimacy and applicant qualifications is essential for TN visa approval.
• Canadian applicants apply at U.S. borders; Mexican applicants require USCIS petition and U.S. consulate visa interview.
The TN visa is a special work visa for citizens of Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽 who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸 in certain professional jobs. This visa was created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the old NAFTA agreement. The TN visa makes it easier for professionals from these two countries to work in the United States 🇺🇸 for a temporary period.
One of the most important parts of the TN visa application is the employer letter. This letter is not just a formality—it is the main document that shows the U.S. government that the job offer is real, fits the rules of the USMCA, and that the applicant is qualified for the position. If the letter is missing important details or is not clear, the visa application can be delayed or even denied.
Below, you’ll find a clear explanation of what the TN visa is, who can get it, what must be included in the employer letter, and how the process works. You’ll also see real-world examples, practical tips, and links to official resources to help you or your employer prepare a strong application.
What Is the TN Visa?
The TN visa is a nonimmigrant visa. This means it is for people who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸 for a limited time, not for those who want to move permanently. The TN visa is only for citizens of Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽, and only for certain professional jobs listed in the USMCA agreement.
Some common TN visa professions include:
- Accountants
- Engineers
- Scientists
- Teachers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Medical Professionals
The full list of approved professions can be found in Appendix 1603.D.1 of the USMCA. If your job is not on this list, you cannot get a TN visa.
Who Is Eligible for a TN Visa?
To qualify for a TN visa, you must meet all of these requirements:
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽. Permanent residents or citizens of other countries are not eligible.
- Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a position that is on the USMCA list of approved professions.
- Qualifications: You must have the right education or experience for the job. For most jobs, this means at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Some jobs accept professional licenses or work experience instead.
- Temporary Intent: You must plan to work in the United States 🇺🇸 temporarily and return to your home country when your job ends.
The Employer Letter: Why It Matters
The employer letter is the heart of the TN visa application. This letter is written by the U.S. employer and given to the applicant to present at the border (for Canadians) or at a U.S. consulate (for Mexicans). The letter explains the details of the job offer and shows that both the job and the applicant meet the TN visa rules.
If the employer letter is missing important information or is not clear, the visa officer may deny the application. That’s why it’s so important for employers to be careful and thorough when writing this letter.
What Must Be Included in the TN Visa Employer Letter?
The employer letter must include several key pieces of information. Each part is important for showing that the job and the applicant fit the TN visa rules under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
1. Company Information
- Full name of the U.S. employer
- Physical address and contact information (phone number, email, etc.)
- Brief description of the company’s business (especially if the company is not well-known)
This helps the visa officer see that the employer is real and that the job offer is genuine.
2. Job Title and Category
- Exact job title being offered
- Statement that the job is a USMCA-approved profession
- Reference to the specific profession on the USMCA list
This shows that the job fits one of the approved TN visa categories.
3. Detailed Job Description
- Clear and detailed list of job duties and responsibilities
- Description of the professional nature of the work
- Explanation of how the job matches the TN profession category
The job duties must match what is expected for that profession under the USMCA.
4. Qualifications of the Applicant
- Statement confirming the applicant’s qualifications
- List of educational degrees, licenses, or work experience
- Explanation of how the applicant meets the TN profession requirements
This part proves that the applicant is qualified for the job.
5. Duration of Employment
- Expected length of employment (for example, one year, two years, etc.)
- Statement that the job is temporary
The TN visa is for temporary work, so this must be clear.
6. Remuneration
- Salary or wage offered to the applicant
This shows that the job offer is real and meets professional standards.
7. Statement of Intent
- Declaration that the employment is temporary
- Statement that the applicant will return to their home country when the job ends
This helps prove that the applicant does not plan to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 permanently.
Step-by-Step Process for Employers and Applicants
Here’s how the process works for both employers and applicants:
Step 1: Draft the Employer Letter
The employer writes a detailed letter that includes all the information listed above. It’s important to use clear language and be specific. The letter should be printed on company letterhead and signed by someone with authority (like a manager or HR director).
Step 2: Review for Accuracy
Double-check that:
- The job title matches a USMCA-approved profession
- The job duties match the profession
- The applicant’s qualifications are clearly explained
- All required details are included
Step 3: Provide the Letter to the Applicant
The employer gives the signed letter to the applicant. The applicant will use this letter as part of their TN visa application.
Step 4: Application Process (Different for Canadians and Mexicans)
For Canadian Citizens 🇨🇦
- No need to file a petition with USCIS.
- The applicant brings the employer letter, proof of citizenship, and proof of qualifications directly to a U.S. port of entry (like an airport or land border).
- The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer reviews the documents and decides whether to grant the TN visa.
For Mexican Citizens 🇲🇽
- The employer must first file Form I-129 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Once the petition is approved, the applicant applies for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate in Mexico.
- The applicant brings the employer letter, proof of citizenship, and proof of qualifications to the visa interview.
Step 5: Present the Letter and Supporting Documents
At the border or consulate, the applicant presents:
- The employer letter
- Proof of citizenship (passport)
- Proof of qualifications (degrees, licenses, transcripts)
- Any other supporting documents
Real-World Example: TN Visa Employer Letter
Here’s a simple example of what a TN visa employer letter might look like:
[Company Letterhead]
Date: [Month, Day, Year]
To Whom It May Concern:
We are pleased to offer [Applicant’s Name], a citizen of [Canada 🇨🇦/Mexico 🇲🇽], the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name], located at [Company Address]. [Company Name] is a [brief description of business].
The position of [Job Title] is a profession listed under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Appendix 1603.D.1. The main duties will include [list main job duties], which are consistent with the professional standards for this occupation.
[Applicant’s Name] holds a [degree or qualification] in [field], which meets the requirements for this profession under the USMCA. The employment is expected to last for [duration], and the salary will be [amount] per [hour/year].
This offer is for a temporary position. [Applicant’s Name] intends to return to [home country] upon completion of the employment term.
If you need more information, please contact us at [phone/email].
Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
Key Differences from Other Work Visas
The TN visa process is different from other U.S. work visas, such as the H-1B:
- No Labor Condition Application (LCA) Required: Employers do not need to file an LCA or prove they are paying the “prevailing wage.”
- No Annual Cap: There is no limit on the number of TN visas issued each year.
- No Lottery: There is no random selection process.
- Faster Processing: Canadians can often get a TN visa on the same day at the border.
- No Path to Permanent Residency: The TN visa is strictly temporary and does not directly lead to a green card.
Practical Implications for Employers and Applicants
For Employers
- Be Detailed and Honest: The more specific and clear the employer letter, the better the chances of approval.
- Check the Profession List: Make sure the job is on the USMCA list.
- Avoid Vague Language: General or unclear job descriptions can lead to delays or denials.
- No Need for Prevailing Wage: Unlike H-1B, you do not have to prove you are paying a certain wage, but the salary should be reasonable for the profession.
For Applicants
- Gather All Documents: Bring your employer letter, proof of citizenship, and proof of qualifications.
- Be Ready to Explain: Be prepared to answer questions about your job, qualifications, and plans to return home.
- Temporary Intent: Make sure you can show you plan to return to Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽 after your job ends.
Recent Policy Updates and Future Outlook
As of June 2025, there have been no major changes to the TN visa employer letter requirements. The U.S. government continues to require that:
- The job offer is for a profession listed in the USMCA
- The applicant is a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽
- The employer letter includes all required details
USCIS and the Department of State may issue clarifications from time to time, but the main rules have stayed the same for many years. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the employer letter remains the most important part of the TN visa application, and careful preparation is the best way to avoid problems.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you need more information or want to see the official list of TN professions, visit the U.S. Department of State’s TN Visa page. For Mexican citizens, you can find Form I-129 and instructions on the USCIS website.
Many immigration lawyers and TN visa specialists offer templates and can review your employer letter to make sure it meets all requirements.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The TN visa is a valuable option for professionals from Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽 who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸 for a temporary period. The employer letter is the key document in this process. It must include:
- Company information
- Job title and USMCA profession category
- Detailed job description
- Applicant’s qualifications
- Duration of employment
- Salary or wage
- Statement of temporary intent
Employers and applicants should work together to make sure the letter is clear, complete, and accurate. This will help ensure a smooth application process and increase the chances of approval.
If you’re preparing a TN visa application, start by reviewing the official resources, gather all your documents, and pay close attention to the employer letter. With careful planning, the TN visa process can be straightforward and successful.
Learn Today
TN visa → A temporary U.S. work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA agreement.
USMCA → United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement replacing NAFTA to regulate trade and certain work visas.
Employer letter → A detailed document from the U.S. employer confirming job offer and applicant qualifications for TN visa.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services; government agency processing visa petitions and immigration requests.
Form I-129 → Petition form filed by U.S. employers for nonimmigrant workers including Mexican TN visa applicants.
This Article in a Nutshell
The TN visa offers Canadian and Mexican professionals temporary U.S. work opportunities under USMCA. The employer letter is crucial, detailing job specifics and qualifications. Canadians apply at entry points, Mexicans through USCIS and consulates. This streamlined visa lacks caps, making professional cross-border work easier and faster than other visas.
— By VisaVerge.com
