Steps for Mexican Citizens to Apply for a TN Visa at U.S. Consulate

Key Takeaways

• Mexican citizens must apply for TN visas at U.S. consulates in Mexico, not at U.S. ports of entry.
• The visa application fee is $190 as of July 2025; payment receipt is required for the interview.
• TN status is tied to a specific job and employer; job changes require a new visa application.

For Mexican citizens who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸 under the TN visa program, the process involves several clear steps, each with its own requirements and expected timelines. This guide walks through the entire journey, from confirming eligibility to entering the United States 🇺🇸, and explains what to expect at every stage. By following these steps and preparing carefully, applicants can avoid common problems and improve their chances of a smooth experience at the U.S. consulate.

Overview of the TN Visa Process for Mexican Citizens

The TN visa is a special work visa for citizens of Mexico 🇲🇽 and Canada 🇨🇦, created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA. While Canadian citizens can apply for TN status directly at a U.S. port of entry, Mexican citizens must apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico 🇲🇽 before traveling to the United States 🇺🇸. This difference is important and affects the steps and timing of the process.

The TN visa allows Mexican citizens to work in certain professional jobs listed under the USMCA. The visa is tied to a specific employer and job. If you change employers, job titles, or duties, you must apply for a new TN visa.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before starting the application, make sure you meet all the requirements for a TN visa:

• Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a position listed under the USMCA. These jobs include professions like engineers, scientists, teachers, accountants, and many others.
• Qualifications: You must meet the education and experience requirements for the job. This usually means having a specific degree or license.
• Mexican Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Mexico 🇲🇽 and be able to prove it with a valid passport.

Documents to Gather:

• Valid Mexican passport
• Job offer letter from the U.S. employer, stating your job title, duties, salary, and the need for your skills
• Support letter from the employer, explaining why you are needed and confirming the job details
• Diplomas, degrees, licenses, and transcripts that show you are qualified for the job
• Resume or CV
• Proof of any required licenses or certifications

Estimated Time: This step depends on how quickly you can gather your documents and get a job offer. For some, it may take a few days; for others, several weeks.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Form

The next step is to fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, known as Form DS-160. This is the main application form for most U.S. nonimmigrant visas.

• Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center to start your DS-160.
• Answer all questions honestly and carefully.
• Upload a passport-style photo if required.
• When finished, print the DS-160 confirmation page. You must bring this to your visa interview.

Estimated Time: 1–2 hours, depending on how quickly you can complete the form.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee

After completing the DS-160, you must pay the non-refundable visa application fee. As of July 2025, the fee is $190. Always check the official U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for the latest fee and payment instructions.

• Pay the fee as directed (usually online or at a bank).
• Save the payment receipt. You must bring this to your interview.

Estimated Time: Payment is usually immediate, but processing can take a day or two depending on the payment method.

Step 4: Schedule a Visa Interview at a U.S. Consulate

Mexican citizens must attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico 🇲🇽. You cannot apply for a TN visa at a U.S. port of entry.

• Create an account on the U.S. visa appointment website.
• Choose the U.S. consulate or embassy where you want to have your interview.
• Schedule your appointment. Wait times can vary by location and season. Some consulates may have appointments available within days, while others may take several weeks.
• Check the specific consulate’s website for current wait times and any special instructions.

Estimated Time: Scheduling can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on demand and location.

Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview

On the day of your interview, arrive early and bring all required documents:

• Valid Mexican passport
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Job offer letter and employer support letter
• Diplomas, degrees, licenses, and transcripts
• Resume or CV
• Any other documents requested by the consulate

During the interview, a consular officer will:

• Review your documents
• Ask questions about your job, qualifications, and plans in the United States 🇺🇸
• Decide if you meet the requirements for a TN visa

What to Expect:

• The officer may ask about your education, work experience, and the details of your job offer.
• You may be asked to explain why you plan to return to Mexico 🇲🇽 after your TN job ends. This is to show you do not plan to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 permanently.
• If your application is approved, the officer will keep your passport to add the TN visa stamp.

Estimated Time: The interview itself usually takes less than 30 minutes, but you may spend several hours at the consulate due to security checks and waiting times.

Step 6: Visa Processing and Passport Return

After your interview, your application will be processed. If approved, your passport will be returned to you with the TN visa stamp.

• Typical Processing Time: 1 to 4 weeks from the interview date, depending on the consulate’s workload and whether any extra checks are needed.
• Possible Delays: If your documents are incomplete or if the consulate needs more information, processing may take longer. Administrative processing can also add time.

You will be notified when your passport is ready for pickup or will receive it by courier, depending on the consulate’s procedures.

Step 7: Enter the United States 🇺🇸

Once you have your passport with the TN visa, you can travel to the United States 🇺🇸.

• You may enter up to 10 days before your job’s start date, as shown on your visa.
• At the port of entry, present your passport with the TN visa to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
• The CBP officer will review your documents and ask questions about your job and plans.
• The officer has the final authority to admit you in TN status.

Estimated Time: Entry is usually completed the same day, but you may experience wait times at busy ports of entry.

What Happens Next:

• Once admitted, you can begin working for your U.S. employer in the approved TN job.
• The initial TN status is valid for up to 3 years.
• If you want to stay longer, your employer can file Form I-129 with USCIS to request an extension while you are in the United States 🇺🇸.
• If you leave the United States 🇺🇸 and want to return, you must apply for a new TN visa at a U.S. consulate.

Dependents:

• Your spouse and children under 21 can apply for TD status to join you in the United States 🇺🇸. They cannot work but can study.

Key Points to Remember

• No Premium Processing at Consulates: The 15-day premium processing option is only available for extensions or changes of status filed inside the United States 🇺🇸 using Form I-129. It does not apply to TN visa applications at U.S. consulates.
• Strict Employer and Job Ties: The TN visa is linked to a specific employer and job. If you change jobs, employers, or job duties, you must apply for a new TN visa.
• Document Preparation: Missing or incomplete documents are a common reason for delays or denials. Double-check all requirements with the specific consulate before your interview.
• Interview Preparation: Be ready to show that your stay in the United States 🇺🇸 is temporary and that you plan to return to Mexico 🇲🇽 when your job ends.
• Start Early: Begin the process well before your planned start date to allow time for gathering documents, scheduling the interview, and processing.

Estimated Timeline for the Entire Process

Recent Policy Updates and Practical Impacts

As of July 2025, there have been no major changes to the TN visa process for Mexican citizens. The most recent updates from the USCIS Policy Manual, published in June and July 2025, confirm that Mexican citizens must apply at a U.S. consulate and cannot apply at a port of entry. The TN status remains strictly tied to the employer, job title, and duties. Any material change requires a new application.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, immigration attorneys stress the importance of careful document preparation and interview readiness. Employers should provide detailed support letters, and applicants should keep up with consulate-specific processing times, especially during busy periods.

Common Concerns and Tips

• Delays: Processing times can be longer during peak application periods or if extra checks are needed. Always check the consulate’s website for updates.
• Incomplete Applications: Missing documents or unclear job descriptions can lead to denials. Make sure your employer’s support letter clearly explains your job and why you are qualified.
• Changes in Employment: If you change jobs or employers, you must start the TN visa process again.
• Dependents: Your spouse and children can join you but cannot work in the United States 🇺🇸.

Where to Find Official Information

• The U.S. Department of State’s official page for USMCA Professional Workers provides step-by-step guidance, links to the DS-160 form, and appointment scheduling.
• The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have specific instructions, appointment booking, and contact details.
• The USCIS Policy Manual offers the latest regulatory guidance on TN visa requirements and procedures.

Looking Ahead

No major changes to the TN visa process for Mexican citizens are expected for the rest of 2025. However, it is wise to check official sources regularly for any updates about fees, processing times, or eligible professions. Employers and applicants with special situations, such as changes in job duties or employers, should consider speaking with an immigration lawyer for advice.

Final Takeaways

• The TN visa process for Mexican citizens is clear but requires careful preparation and attention to detail.
• Start early, gather all required documents, and check the specific U.S. consulate’s website for the latest information.
• Be ready for your interview and able to explain your qualifications and plans.
• Stay informed about any policy changes by checking official government resources.

By following these steps and preparing carefully, Mexican citizens can improve their chances of a successful TN visa application at a U.S. consulate and begin their professional journey in the United States 🇺🇸 with confidence.

Learn Today

TN Visa → A special work visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens under the USMCA to work temporarily in the U.S.
USMCA → United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement replacing NAFTA, establishing rules on trade and specific visa categories.
Form DS-160 → The online nonimmigrant visa application form needed to apply for a TN visa at U.S. consulates.
Consular Interview → In-person meeting with a U.S. embassy officer to verify visa eligibility and documentation.
TD Status → Dependent visa status for spouses and children of TN visa holders; allows residence but not work.

This Article in a Nutshell

Mexican citizens must apply for TN visas at U.S. consulates before entering. Careful document preparation and early scheduling improve chances. The visa grants temporary work status for approved professions under USMCA, with no premium processing at consulates and strict employer-job ties. Dependents may qualify for TD status.
— By VisaVerge.com