TN Visa Duration and Work Stay Limits in the U.S. Explained

Key Takeaways

• Only Canadian or Mexican citizens with USMCA-listed jobs qualify for a TN visa.
• TN visas last up to three years with unlimited renewals if eligibility is maintained.
• Recent June 2025 rules require stricter proof for Scientific Technician job applicants.

If you’re a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽 and you want to work in the United States 🇺🇸, the TN visa might be a good option. This visa, created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and now managed by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), lets you work in certain jobs for U.S. employers. But before you apply, it’s important to know if you qualify, what you need, and how renewals work. Here’s a clear guide to help you decide if you’re eligible, what the rules are, and what to do if you don’t qualify right now.

Who Can Get a TN Visa?
To qualify for a TN visa, you must meet several requirements. Let’s break them down into simple yes/no questions:

1. Are you a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽?
– Yes: You meet the nationality requirement.
– No: You are not eligible for a TN visa. Only citizens of these two countries can apply.

2. Do you have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a TN-eligible profession?
– Yes: You can move to the next step.
– No: You cannot apply for a TN visa. You must have a job offer in a specific profession listed under the USMCA.

3. Does your job match one of the professions listed in the USMCA?
– Yes: You meet this requirement.
– No: You are not eligible for a TN visa. The job must be on the official list, which includes roles like engineers, scientists, teachers, accountants, and more.

4. Do you have the required education or qualifications for the job?
– Yes: You can continue.
– No: You are not eligible. Each profession has its own rules. For example, some jobs need a bachelor’s degree, while others may need a license or diploma.

5. Do you plan to return to your home country after your work assignment ends?
– Yes: You meet the intent requirement.
– No: You are not eligible. TN visa holders must show they plan to go back home after their job ends and are not trying to stay in the U.S. permanently.

6. Are you able to provide all the required documents?
– Yes: You’re ready to apply.
– No: You need to gather the right documents before applying.

Let’s look at each requirement in more detail, with examples and explanations.

Detailed TN Visa Eligibility Requirements

Citizenship
Only citizens of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽 can apply for a TN visa. Permanent residents, even if they live in these countries, do not qualify.

Example:
– Maria is a Canadian citizen living in Toronto. She can apply.
– Juan is a permanent resident of Canada but a citizen of Spain. He cannot apply.

Job Offer in a TN-Eligible Profession
You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a role listed in the USMCA. The list covers more than 60 professions, including:

• Accountant
• Architect
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Engineer
• Scientist (various fields)
• Teacher (college, university, seminary)
• Medical professionals (with some restrictions)

Example:
– If you have a job offer as a civil engineer, you qualify.
– If you have a job offer as a retail store manager, you do not qualify because this job is not on the list.

Required Qualifications
Each profession has its own education or licensing requirements. Most need at least a bachelor’s degree. Some may accept a diploma and experience.

Example:
– To work as a biologist, you need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field.
– To work as a scientific technician, you need proof of specialized training and a clear link between your training and your job duties.

Intent to Return Home
You must show you plan to return to Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽 after your job ends. This is called “non-immigrant intent.” You can show this by keeping a home, family, or job in your country.

Example:
– If you sell your house and move your whole family to the U.S., it may look like you want to stay permanently, which could hurt your application.

Required Documents
You’ll need to provide:

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)
• Job offer letter from your U.S. employer, explaining your job, salary, and terms
• Proof of qualifications (degrees, diplomas, licenses)
• Proof of current TN status if you’re already in the U.S. (I-94 record, visa stamp, or I-797 approval notice)

Disqualifying Factors

You will not qualify for a TN visa if:

• You are not a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽
• Your job is not on the USMCA list
• You do not have the required education or license
• You cannot show you plan to return home
• You do not have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer
• You have violated U.S. immigration laws in the past (for example, overstaying a previous visa)

Recent Policy Changes and Stricter Rules

As of June 2025, U.S. immigration authorities have made some rules stricter for certain TN professions. For example, if you apply as a Scientific Technician or Technologist, you must now show:

• You have real, theoretical knowledge in science or engineering
• Your training matches your job duties

This means you may need to provide more proof, like detailed transcripts or letters from past employers. If your job duties are not closely related to your education, your application may be denied.

How Long Can You Stay and Work on a TN Visa?

A TN visa is usually granted for up to three years at a time. There is no set limit on how many times you can renew your TN visa. As long as you keep meeting all the requirements, you can keep renewing and stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for many years.

Example:
– If you first get a TN visa in 2022, you can renew it in 2025, 2028, and so on, as long as you still qualify.

Rules for Renewals

Renewal Eligibility
To renew your TN visa, you must:

• Still work in a TN-eligible profession
• Have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer
• Show you still plan to return to Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽 after your job ends

Documents Needed for Renewal

• Valid passport (at least six months beyond your planned stay)
• Updated job offer letter (showing your current job duties, salary, and terms)
• Proof of qualifications (degrees, licenses)
• Proof of current TN status (I-94, visa stamp, or I-797 approval notice)

Renewal Methods

There are three main ways to renew your TN visa:

1. By Mail (Form I-129)
   • Your employer files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
   • Processing takes 2–6 months, but you can pay extra for premium processing to get a decision in 15–45 days.
   • You can find the official Form I-129 here.
2. At the Border (for Canadians)
   • Canadians can apply for renewal at a U.S. port of entry (land border or airport).
   • Processing is usually same-day.
   • Bring all your documents with you.

1. At a U.S. Consulate (for Mexicans)
   • Mexicans must renew at a U.S. consulate.
   • Processing usually takes 7–21 business days and includes an interview.
   • Bring all required documents.

Important:
If you change employers or your job changes in a big way (like a new job title or different duties), you must apply for a new TN visa, not just a renewal.

Dependents (TD Visas)

If you have a spouse or children under 21, they can come with you on TD visas. However, they cannot work in the United States 🇺🇸. They can study, but if they want to work, they must qualify for their own work visa.

What If You Don’t Qualify for a TN Visa?

If you don’t meet the TN visa requirements, you have other options:

• H-1B Visa: For specialty jobs that require a bachelor’s degree or higher. There is an annual lottery, and it’s open to people from all countries.
• L-1 Visa: For employees transferring within the same company from abroad to a U.S. office.
• E-2 Visa: For investors from countries with a treaty with the United States 🇺🇸.
• Student Visas (F-1, M-1): For full-time students.
• Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2): For business or tourism, but not for working.

Each visa has its own rules and requirements. If you’re not sure which one fits you, talk to an immigration lawyer or check the official USCIS website for more details.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a TN Visa

If you want to boost your chances of approval, here are some tips:

• Make sure your job offer matches the USMCA list exactly. Use the same job title and duties as listed.
• Gather all your documents before you apply. Missing paperwork is a common reason for delays or denials.
• Show strong ties to your home country. Keep a home, bank accounts, or family in Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽.
• Stay updated on policy changes. Rules can change, especially for certain professions.
• Be honest in your application. Giving false information can lead to a ban from entering the United States 🇺🇸.

Recent Developments: What’s New for TN Visa Holders?

As reported by VisaVerge.com, recent changes in June 2025 mean that some professions, like Scientific Technician/Technologist, now face stricter checks. You must show a clear link between your education and your job. This means you may need to provide more detailed documents or letters from past employers or schools.

USCIS officers are also looking more closely at job duties. If your job doesn’t match the official list, your application may be denied. It’s more important than ever to make sure your job offer and qualifications fit the rules.

Practical Examples

• Example 1:
  Sarah, a Canadian citizen, works as a computer systems analyst in the United States 🇺🇸. Her employer wants her to stay for another three years. She gathers her updated job offer letter, proof of her degree, and her current I-94 record. She applies for renewal at the border and gets approved the same day.

• Example 2:
  Luis, a Mexican citizen, works as a biologist. He wants to renew his TN visa. He schedules an appointment at the U.S. consulate, brings all his documents, and attends an interview. His renewal is approved in two weeks.

• Example 3:
  Ana, a Canadian citizen, wants to switch from being a teacher to a marketing manager. Marketing manager is not on the TN list, so she cannot use the TN visa for this job. She looks into the H-1B visa as an alternative.

What Happens If You Overstay or Break the Rules?

If you stay in the United States 🇺🇸 longer than your TN visa allows, or if you work in a job that’s not approved, you could face serious problems:

• You may be banned from returning to the United States 🇺🇸 for several years.
• Your future visa applications may be denied.
• You could be deported.

Always follow the rules and keep your status up to date.

Where to Get More Help

If you have questions or need help with your TN visa or renewals, you can:

• Visit the official USCIS website for forms and instructions.
• Talk to an immigration lawyer for advice on your specific case.
• Use trusted services like GovAssist or The Law Office of Olena Manilich for extra support.

Key Takeaways

• The TN visa is for Canadian 🇨🇦 and Mexican 🇲🇽 citizens working in certain jobs in the United States 🇺🇸.
• You must have a job offer in a listed profession and the right qualifications.
• You can stay for up to three years at a time, with unlimited renewals as long as you qualify.
• Renewals require updated documents and proof you still meet all requirements.
• Recent rule changes mean stricter checks for some jobs, so be prepared.
• If you don’t qualify, look into other visa options.
• Always follow the rules to avoid problems with your status.

By following these steps and staying informed, you can make the TN visa process smoother and improve your chances of success. For the most current information, always check the USCIS TN visa page and consult with a professional if you have any doubts.

Learn Today

TN Visa → A work visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens to fill certain jobs in the U.S. under USMCA.
USMCA → United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement; a trade agreement managing TN visa eligibility and professions.
I-129 Form → USCIS petition form filed by employers to request or renew TN visa status.
Non-immigrant Intent → Requirement to prove the applicant plans to return to their home country after work ends.
I-94 Record → A U.S. arrival-departure record proving current legal status, used in TN visa applications.

This Article in a Nutshell

The TN visa lets Canadians and Mexicans work temporarily in U.S. jobs under USMCA. It requires specific qualifying jobs, valid documentation, and proving intent to return home. Recent policy changes impose stricter scrutiny for some professions. Renewals are unlimited if conditions are met, helping workers continue employment legally in the U.S.
— By VisaVerge.com