Key Takeaways
• TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work part-time or full-time for U.S. employers in 63 professions.
• No minimum hours or salary required; job must be prearranged and with a real U.S. employer.
• Self-employment is prohibited; TN visa is temporary and renewable for up to three years at a time.
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. Many people wonder if the TN visa is only for full-time jobs, or if it can also be used for part-time positions. This is an important question for both workers and employers who need flexibility in their work arrangements. Let’s take a close look at what the rules say, how the process works, and what this means for real people.
What Is the TN Visa?
The TN visa was created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which is now called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This visa lets qualified professionals from Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽 work in the United States 🇺🇸 for a U.S. employer in certain jobs. There are 63 jobs on the official list, including engineers, teachers, scientists, accountants, and many others.
The TN visa is a nonimmigrant visa, which means it is for people who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸 temporarily, not permanently. It is often used by people who want to work for a few years and then return home, or who want to move back and forth between countries for work.
Can TN Visa Holders Work Part-Time?
Yes, TN visa holders can work in part-time positions. The rules are very clear: the job does not have to be full-time. Both the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State confirm that TN visa holders may work in either full-time or part-time jobs for a U.S. employer.
Here are the key points:
- Part-time positions meet the TN visa requirements.
- The job must be prearranged, meaning you must have a job offer before you apply.
- There is no minimum number of hours you must work each week.
- There is no minimum wage or salary required for the TN visa.
- The only requirement is that the job is real, and you have the right qualifications for it.
This flexibility makes the TN visa a good choice for people who want to work fewer hours, have family responsibilities, or want to work for more than one employer (with separate TN approvals).
Official Policy: What Do the Rules Say?
The official rules from the U.S. government are very clear about part-time work:
- USCIS states: A TN visa holder “will work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for a U.S. employer or entity” and must have the necessary qualifications for the profession.
- U.S. Department of State confirms: TN visa holders may be employed on a part-time basis, and there is no limit on how many hours they must work.
- No minimum wage or salary: There is no rule that says you must earn a certain amount of money to get or keep a TN visa. The only requirement is that your job offer explains how you will be paid.
You can read more about these rules on the official USCIS TN visa page.
Who Can Get a TN Visa?
To qualify for a TN visa, you must meet these requirements:
- Be a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽. Permanent residents of these countries do not qualify.
- Have a job offer from a U.S. employer in one of the 63 approved professions. The job can be full-time or part-time.
- Have the right qualifications for the job. This usually means a university degree, professional license, or other proof that you are trained for the job.
- The job must be temporary. The TN visa is not for permanent jobs.
- You cannot be self-employed. The job must be with a real U.S. employer.
What Are the 63 TN Professions?
The TN visa is only for certain jobs. These are called “TN professions.” Some examples include:
- Accountant
- Architect
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Engineer
- Graphic Designer
- Hotel Manager
- Lawyer
- Mathematician
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Pharmacist
- Scientist (various fields)
- Teacher (various levels)
You can find the full list of TN professions on the U.S. Department of State website.
How Does the TN Visa Application Process Work?
Whether you are applying for a full-time or part-time TN position, the process is the same. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Get a Job Offer
You must have a prearranged job offer from a U.S. employer. The offer letter should clearly state:
- The job title and duties
- The TN profession category
- Whether the job is full-time or part-time
- The pay and how you will be paid
- The length of the job (it must be temporary)
2. Gather Your Documents
You will need:
- Proof of citizenship (passport)
- The job offer letter
- Proof of your qualifications (degree, license, transcripts)
- Any required licenses for your profession
- Proof that the job is temporary
3. Apply for the TN Visa
The process is different for Canadians and Mexicans:
For Canadians 🇨🇦
- You do not need a visa before traveling.
- You can apply directly at a U.S. port of entry (land border or airport).
- Bring all your documents and be ready to answer questions.
- If approved, you will get TN status on the spot and can start working right away.
For Mexicans 🇲🇽
- You must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in Mexico 🇲🇽.
- After your visa is approved, you can travel to the United States 🇺🇸 and start working.
4. Start Working
Once you have your TN status or visa, you can begin working for your U.S. employer as described in your job offer. If your job is part-time, you must stick to the hours and duties described in your offer letter.
5. Renew or Extend Your TN Status
The TN visa is usually granted for up to three years at a time. You can renew it as many times as you want, as long as you still meet the requirements and your job is still temporary.
What About Changing Jobs or Working for More Than One Employer?
If you want to change jobs or add a second job, you must get a new TN approval for each employer. Each job must be in a TN profession, and you must have a separate job offer letter. You cannot work for yourself or be self-employed under the TN visa.
What Does “Prearranged” Mean?
“Prearranged” means you must have a job offer before you apply for the TN visa. You cannot come to the United States 🇺🇸 to look for work and then apply for the TN visa. The job offer must be real, and the employer must be a real U.S. company or organization.
Are There Any Minimum Hours or Salary Requirements?
No, there are no minimum hours or salary requirements for the TN visa. This is different from some other work visas, which may require a certain number of hours or a minimum wage.
- You can work as few or as many hours as your employer needs.
- Your pay can be any amount, as long as it is agreed upon and described in your job offer.
- The job must be real and require your professional skills.
This flexibility is helpful for people who want to work part-time, such as parents, students, or people with other commitments.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Part-Time Accountant
Maria is a Canadian citizen and a certified accountant. She gets a job offer from a U.S. employer to work 20 hours per week as an accountant. The job is on the TN professions list. Maria applies for the TN visa at the border, shows her job offer and qualifications, and is approved. She works part-time in the United States 🇺🇸 and returns home to Canada 🇨🇦 on weekends.
Example 2: Multiple Part-Time Jobs
Carlos is a Mexican citizen and a computer systems analyst. He gets two part-time job offers from different U.S. employers, each for 15 hours per week. Both jobs are in the TN professions list. Carlos applies for a TN visa for each job. He is approved and works both jobs in the United States 🇺🇸, as long as he keeps both employers informed and follows the rules.
Example 3: Employer Needs Change
Sarah is a Canadian citizen working full-time as a teacher in the United States 🇺🇸 on a TN visa. Her school decides to reduce her hours to part-time. Sarah does not need a new TN visa, as long as her job duties and employer stay the same. She can continue working part-time under her current TN status.
What About Self-Employment?
Self-employment is not allowed under the TN visa. You must work for a real U.S. employer who controls your work and pays you. You cannot use the TN visa to start your own business or work as an independent contractor.
What Are the Benefits of the TN Visa for Part-Time Workers?
- Flexibility: You can work part-time, full-time, or for more than one employer (with approval).
- No minimum hours or wage: There are no strict rules about how much you must work or earn.
- Easy to renew: You can keep renewing your TN status as long as you meet the requirements.
- Quick process: Canadians can get TN status at the border; Mexicans can apply at a consulate.
What Are the Benefits for U.S. Employers?
- Access to skilled workers: Employers can hire qualified professionals from Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽 for part-time or full-time jobs.
- No wage or hour restrictions: Employers can offer jobs with any number of hours or pay, as long as the job is real and matches a TN profession.
- Simple process: The paperwork is less complicated than some other work visas.
Are There Any Recent Changes to the TN Visa Rules?
As of June 2025, there have been no changes to the rules about part-time employment under the TN visa. The latest updates from USCIS and the Department of State confirm that part-time jobs are fully allowed. There are no new restrictions or requirements for hours or pay.
What Should Applicants and Employers Watch Out For?
- Job must be real: The job offer must be for a real position that needs your professional skills.
- No self-employment: You cannot use the TN visa to work for yourself.
- Stick to the job offer: You must work the hours and do the duties described in your job offer. If your job changes a lot, you may need a new TN approval.
- Keep documents updated: Always have proof of your job, qualifications, and TN status.
Where Can You Find More Information?
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official USCIS TN visa page. This page explains the rules, lists the TN professions, and provides links to forms and instructions.
You can also find helpful details on the U.S. Department of State’s TN visa page.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the TN visa’s flexibility for part-time positions continues to help both employers and professionals meet their needs without unnecessary barriers.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Part-time positions are fully allowed under the TN visa. There is no requirement for full-time work.
- No minimum hours or wage: You can work as many or as few hours as your employer needs, and your pay can be any agreed amount.
- Job must be prearranged: You need a real job offer from a U.S. employer in a TN profession.
- Self-employment is not allowed: You must work for a real U.S. employer.
- Process is straightforward: Gather your documents, apply at the border (for Canadians) or consulate (for Mexicans), and start working.
If you are a Canadian or Mexican professional thinking about working in the United States 🇺🇸, or a U.S. employer looking to hire skilled workers, the TN visa offers a flexible and practical solution for both full-time and part-time positions. Always check the latest official information and talk to an immigration professional if you have special questions about your situation.
Learn Today
TN Visa → A nonimmigrant visa allowing Canadian and Mexican professionals to work temporarily in the U.S. under USMCA.
Prearranged Job → A job offer secured before applying for a TN visa, necessary to qualify for the visa.
USMCA → The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, replacing NAFTA, regulating trade and professional mobility between these countries.
Nonimmigrant Visa → A visa for temporary stay and work, not intended for permanent residence in the U.S.
Self-Employment → Working independently without a formal employer; not permitted under the TN visa rules.
This Article in a Nutshell
The TN visa enables Canadian and Mexican professionals to work part-time or full-time in the U.S. With no minimum hours or salary, it offers flexible employment options across 63 approved professions under USMCA rules.
— By VisaVerge.com
