Key Takeaways
• The TN visa permits Canadian and Mexican professionals to work temporarily in U.S. in listed USMCA occupations.
• June 2025 USCIS update enforces stricter TN visa documentation and detailed job duty evaluations for engineers and technicians.
• TN applications are accepted at all Class A ports-of-entry, including major U.S. borders and international airports.
The TN visa is a special work visa for citizens of Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽, created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This visa allows certain professionals to work in the United States 🇺🇸 for a U.S. employer in specific occupations listed in the treaty. The TN visa has become a key part of cross-border employment, especially for skilled workers in fields like healthcare, engineering, and education.
Recent changes in 2025 have made the TN visa process stricter and more detailed. This guide explains the latest TN visa requirements, who can apply, how the process works, what documents are needed, and what applicants and employers should expect. It also covers the impact of these changes, real-world examples, and what the future may hold for the TN visa.
What Is the TN Visa?
The TN visa is a temporary work visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸 in certain professional jobs. These jobs are listed in the USMCA treaty and include roles like engineers, teachers, scientists, and healthcare workers. The TN visa is usually valid for up to three years and can be renewed many times, as long as the worker still meets all the requirements.
Who Can Apply? TN Visa Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for a TN visa, you must meet several important requirements. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently updated its rules, so it’s important to understand these changes.
Basic TN Visa 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 listed in the USMCA’s approved occupations.
– Qualifications: You must have the education, training, or experience required for the job. This usually means a bachelor’s degree or higher, but some jobs may accept other qualifications.
– Non-Self-Employment: You cannot use the TN visa to work for yourself or to start your own business in the United States 🇺🇸. The job must be with a U.S. employer.
– Intent: The TN visa is for temporary work. You must show that you plan to return to your home country when your job ends.
Recent Changes (June 2025):
– USCIS Policy Manual Update: On June 13, 2025, USCIS updated its policy manual, making the eligibility rules stricter and clarifying what documents are needed. This is especially important for jobs like engineers and scientific technicians.
– Expanded Application Locations: TN visa applications can now be submitted at any Class A port-of-entry. This includes both the northern and southern U.S. borders and airports with international flights. However, pre-clearance or pre-flight stations are only available in Canada 🇨🇦.
– Stricter Job Duties and Qualifications: There is now a four-part test for engineers. Many IT and software jobs no longer qualify under the “Engineer” category unless the degree and job duties are strictly related to engineering. Scientific technicians must show a clear connection between their training and their job duties, and jobs involving patient care are excluded.
The TN Visa Occupational List
The TN visa only covers certain jobs, which are listed in the USMCA treaty. This list has not changed much since 1994, so some modern jobs, like data analysts or green energy specialists, are not included. Common TN-eligible jobs include:
– Engineers (with stricter requirements as of 2025)
– Accountants
– Teachers (college, university, and seminary)
– Scientists (biologists, chemists, physicists)
– Medical professionals (but not all healthcare roles qualify)
– Computer systems analysts (but not all IT jobs qualify)
If your job is not on the list, you cannot get a TN visa, even if you have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step TN Visa Process
The application process is different for Canadian and Mexican citizens. Here’s how it works for each:
For Canadian Citizens 🇨🇦
- Get a Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer for a TN-eligible position.
- Prepare Documents: Gather proof of your Canadian citizenship, your qualifications (like degrees and licenses), and a detailed job offer letter from your employer.
- Apply at a Class A Port-of-Entry: Go to any Class A port-of-entry (land border or airport with international flights) or a Canadian pre-clearance station. Present your documents to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
- Interview and Decision: The CBP officer will review your documents and may ask questions about your job and qualifications. If approved, you will be admitted to the United States 🇺🇸 in TN status for up to three years.
- Renewal: When your TN status is about to expire, you can renew it by repeating the process or by filing with USCIS if you are already in the United States 🇺🇸 and want to extend your stay or change employers.
For Mexican Citizens 🇲🇽
- Get a Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer for a TN-eligible position.
2. Apply for a TN Visa: Go to a U.S. consulate or embassy in Mexico 🇲🇽 and apply for a TN visa. Bring proof of your Mexican citizenship, your qualifications, and a detailed job offer letter. - Visa Interview: Attend an interview at the consulate or embassy. If approved, you will receive a TN visa in your passport.
- Enter the United States 🇺🇸: Use your TN visa to enter the United States 🇺🇸 at a Class A port-of-entry.
5. Renewal: When your TN visa is about to expire, you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in Mexico 🇲🇽.
Important: You cannot apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in a third country; it must be done in your home country.
Required Documents for TN Visa Application
To meet the TN visa requirements, you must provide several documents. These include:
- Proof of Citizenship: Passport or other official document showing you are a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽.
- Job Offer Letter: A detailed letter from your U.S. employer describing your job title, duties, salary, and how you meet the TN requirements.
- Proof of Qualifications: Diplomas, degrees, licenses, or other documents showing you meet the education or experience requirements for the job.
- Resume or CV: A summary of your work experience and education.
- Supporting Documents: Any other documents requested by the CBP officer or consular official.
For renewals or changes of employer: If you are already in the United States 🇺🇸 and want to extend your TN status or change employers, you must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. You can find the official form and instructions on the USCIS website.
Where to Apply: Class A Port-of-Entry Explained
A Class A port-of-entry is a border crossing or airport that is officially designated to handle all types of travelers, including those applying for work visas like the TN. As of June 2025, you can apply for a TN visa at any Class A port-of-entry, which includes:
– Major land border crossings between Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽 and the United States 🇺🇸
– International airports in the United States 🇺🇸 with CBP officers
– Canadian pre-clearance stations (for Canadian citizens only)
You cannot apply at pre-clearance stations outside of Canada 🇨🇦.
How the 2025 USCIS Policy Manual Update Affects Applicants
The June 2025 update to the USCIS Policy Manual has made the TN visa process more detailed and strict. Here’s what’s changed:
- Four-Part Test for Engineers: Applicants must show that their degree and job duties are strictly related to engineering. IT and software jobs are no longer accepted under the “Engineer” category unless they meet these strict requirements.
- Scientific Technicians: Must show a clear connection between their scientific training and their job duties. Jobs involving patient care are not eligible.
- More Documentation: Applicants must provide more detailed documents to prove they meet all requirements.
- Longer Processing Times: Because of the extra scrutiny, it may take longer to get a decision on your application.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes mean that both applicants and employers need to be very careful when preparing their applications and job descriptions.
Rights and Limitations of TN Visa Holders
What You Can Do:
– Work for the U.S. employer who sponsored your TN visa, in the job described in your application.
– Live in the United States 🇺🇸 for up to three years at a time, with unlimited renewals as long as you still qualify.
– Bring your spouse and children (under 21) with you. They can apply for TD (Trade Dependent) status, but they cannot work in the United States 🇺🇸.
What You Cannot Do:
– Work for yourself or start your own business in the United States 🇺🇸.
– Work for a different employer without getting a new TN approval.
– Apply for a green card (permanent residency) directly from TN status. The TN visa is for temporary work only.
Real-World Examples
Example 1:
Maria, a Canadian citizen, is offered a job as a civil engineer with a U.S. construction company. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and several years of experience. She prepares her documents and applies at a Class A port-of-entry. The CBP officer reviews her degree and job duties, confirms they match the TN requirements, and admits her for three years.
Example 2:
Carlos, a Mexican citizen, is offered a job as a data analyst in the United States 🇺🇸. However, “data analyst” is not on the TN occupational list. Even though Carlos has a job offer and the right qualifications, he cannot get a TN visa because his job is not covered by the treaty.
Example 3:
Sophie, a Canadian citizen, is offered a job as a software engineer. After the 2025 USCIS update, her job duties are reviewed carefully. If her role is mostly software development and not strictly engineering, she may be denied a TN visa.
Practical Implications for Employers
Employers must be careful when hiring workers under the TN visa. They should:
– Make sure the job title and duties match the TN occupational list and USCIS guidance.
– Prepare detailed job offer letters that clearly explain the job and how the applicant meets the requirements.
– Be ready for longer processing times and more requests for documents.
– Understand that some jobs that used to qualify may no longer be eligible after the 2025 policy changes.
Policy and Economic Impact
The TN visa is important for the U.S. economy, especially in fields where there are not enough skilled workers. However, the outdated occupational list and stricter rules make it harder for employers to fill modern jobs. Policy experts and immigration advocates are calling for updates to the list and more flexible rules to keep up with changes in the job market.
Future Outlook for the TN Visa
Looking ahead, several changes may happen:
– Updating the Occupational List: There is growing support for adding new jobs, like data analysts and green energy specialists, to the TN list.
– More Documentation and Scrutiny: Expect continued strictness in reviewing applications to prevent misuse of the TN visa.
– Digitization: The application process may become more digital, making it easier and faster in the future.
– Political Changes: Changes in U.S. leadership or policy priorities could make the TN visa rules either stricter or more relaxed.
Where to Find Official Information
For the most current and official information about the TN visa, visit the USCIS TN visa page. This site provides up-to-date details on eligibility, application steps, and required documents.
Actionable Takeaways
- Check the Occupational List: Make sure your job is on the TN list before applying.
- Prepare Detailed Documents: Gather all required paperwork and make sure your job offer letter matches the TN requirements.
- Apply at the Right Place: Use a Class A port-of-entry or, for Canadians, a pre-clearance station in Canada 🇨🇦.
- Stay Updated: Rules can change quickly. Always check the latest USCIS Policy Manual and official government websites before applying.
- Consider Legal Help: If you’re unsure about your eligibility or the process, consult an immigration attorney who specializes in TN visas.
By following these steps and staying informed about the latest TN visa requirements, both applicants and employers can improve their chances of a successful application and avoid common mistakes.
Learn Today
TN Visa → A temporary work visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens under the USMCA, enabling employment in specific U.S. jobs.
USMCA → United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement replacing NAFTA, governing trade and temporary work visas like the TN visa.
Class A Port-of-Entry → A major border crossing or airport approved for processing TN visa applications and admitting workers.
USCIS Policy Manual → Official guide containing updated rules and requirements for immigration benefits like TN visas.
Form I-129 → Petition submitted to USCIS to extend or change status for nonimmigrant workers, including TN visa holders.
This Article in a Nutshell
The TN visa allows qualified Canadians and Mexicans to work in U.S. professional roles under strict updated 2025 USCIS rules, requiring precise documentation and eligibility at specific ports-of-entry.
— By VisaVerge.com
