Key Takeaways
• The TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work temporarily in specific US professional jobs under USMCA.
• The official TN visa profession list is in USMCA Appendix 1603.D.1 with required degrees and licenses.
• Canadians apply at US border, Mexicans at US consulates; TN visa is renewable with proof of qualifications.
The TN visa is a special work visa that allows citizens of Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽 to work in the United States 🇺🇸 in certain professional jobs. This visa was created as part of a trade agreement between these three countries. The agreement was first called NAFTA, but it is now known as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The TN visa is very important for professionals who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸 for a temporary period.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the TN visa profession list, where to find it, who qualifies, how the process works, and what it means for workers and employers. It also covers the official sources you should use and gives practical advice for anyone thinking about applying.
What Is the TN Visa and Why Does the Profession List Matter?
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 permanently. The TN visa is only for citizens of Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽. It is based on a list of jobs that are considered professional occupations. Only people who have a job offer in one of these professions can get a TN visa.
The list of professions is very important because it decides who can apply for the TN visa. If your job is not on the list, you cannot get a TN visa, even if you have a job offer in the United States 🇺🇸. The list also explains what education or licenses you need for each job.
Where Is the Official TN Visa Profession List?
The official list of TN visa professions is found in Appendix 1603.D.1 of the USMCA. This appendix is the legal document that lists every job that qualifies for the TN visa. It also explains what degrees or licenses you need for each job. This list is used by the U.S. government, immigration lawyers, and employers to decide if a job qualifies for the TN visa.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the main government agency that handles TN visa applications. USCIS provides an official page with information about TN visa professions, requirements, and the application process. You can find the most up-to-date information on the USCIS TN USMCA Professionals page.
What Professions Are on the TN Visa List?
The TN visa profession list covers a wide range of jobs. Here are some examples of professions that qualify:
- Accountants
- Engineers (all types, such as civil, mechanical, electrical)
- Scientists (including Biologists, Chemists, Physicists)
- Architects
- Lawyers
- Teachers (college or university level)
- Medical and Allied Professionals (such as Dentists, Pharmacists, Registered Nurses, Veterinarians)
- Specialized Scientific Roles (like Epidemiologists, Geneticists, Psychologists, Zoologists, Geologists)
Each profession on the list has its own requirements. For example, to qualify as an Epidemiologist, you must have a degree in Epidemiology or a closely related field. Some jobs, like Psychologists or Dieticians, may also require a state or provincial license.
The list is very detailed. It includes the exact job titles and the education or license needed for each one. If you are not sure if your job is on the list, you should check the official USMCA Appendix 1603.D.1 or the USCIS website.
How Do You Qualify for a TN Visa?
To qualify for a TN visa, you must meet several requirements:
1. Citizenship
– You must be a citizen of Canada 🇨🇦 or Mexico 🇲🇽. Permanent residents or citizens of other countries cannot apply.
2. Job Offer
– You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer. The job must be one of the professions listed in USMCA Appendix 1603.D.1.
3. Qualifications
– You must have the required education or license for the job. Most jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. Some jobs may accept a professional license instead.
4. Temporary Entry
– The job must be temporary. The TN visa is not for permanent jobs. However, you can renew the TN visa as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
5. Proof of Qualifications
– You must show proof of your degree, license, or other required credentials. This usually means providing original diplomas, transcripts, or license documents.
6. Matching Job Description
– The job duties in your offer letter must match the official description in the TN visa profession list. If the job is too different, your application may be denied.
How Does the TN Visa Application Process Work?
The process for applying for a TN visa is different for Canadians and Mexicans.
For Canadian Citizens 🇨🇦
- Canadians do not need a visa before traveling to the United States 🇺🇸 for TN status.
- You can apply for TN status directly at a U.S. port of entry (such as an airport or land border).
- You must bring:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (passport)
- A job offer letter from your U.S. employer
- Proof of your qualifications (degrees, licenses)
- Any required fees
- A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will review your documents and decide if you qualify.
- If approved, you can enter the United States 🇺🇸 and start working.
For Mexican Citizens 🇲🇽
- Mexicans must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in Mexico 🇲🇽 before traveling.
- You must complete the DS-160 form (online visa application).
- You will need:
- Proof of Mexican citizenship (passport)
- A job offer letter from your U.S. employer
- Proof of your qualifications (degrees, licenses)
- Visa application fee payment
- You will attend an interview at the consulate or embassy.
- If approved, you will receive a TN visa in your passport.
- You can then travel to the United States 🇺🇸 and present your documents at a port of entry.
For Both Canadians and Mexicans
- Your employer can also file a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker with USCIS on your behalf. This is often used if you are already in the United States 🇺🇸 and want to change your status to TN or extend your TN status.
- If USCIS approves the petition, you can start working or continue working in TN status.
What Documents Do You Need?
Here is a checklist of the main documents you will need:
- Proof of citizenship (passport)
- Job offer letter from a U.S. employer, describing your job duties and how they match the TN profession list
- Proof of qualifications (original diplomas, transcripts, licenses)
- Application forms (DS-160 for Mexicans, I-129 for change of status or extension)
- Fee payment receipts
It is very important that your job offer letter clearly explains how your job matches the TN visa profession list. If there is any doubt, your application could be delayed or denied.
What Rights and Benefits Do TN Visa Holders Have?
TN visa holders have several rights and benefits:
- Work Authorization: You can work legally in the United States 🇺🇸 for the employer who offered you the job.
- Family Members: Your spouse and children (under 21) can come with you on TD (Trade Dependent) status. They cannot work, but they can study.
- Renewals: The TN visa can be renewed in three-year increments, with no set maximum number of renewals, as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
- Travel: You can travel in and out of the United States 🇺🇸 while your TN status is valid.
However, TN status is not a direct path to a green card (permanent residency). If you want to become a permanent resident, you may need to change to another visa category.
What Are the Practical Implications for Applicants and Employers?
For applicants, the most important thing is to make sure your job offer matches the TN visa profession list exactly. If your job title or duties are different from what is listed, your application may be denied. Immigration attorneys often help applicants and employers write job offer letters that clearly show the match.
For employers, the TN visa is a fast and flexible way to hire skilled professionals from Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽. The process is usually quicker than other work visas, such as the H-1B. There is no annual cap on the number of TN visas, so employers do not have to worry about lotteries or waiting lists.
Some employers and professional groups have asked the government to add more jobs to the TN visa list, especially in technology and healthcare. However, as of June 2025, the list has not changed.
Real-World Example: Applying as a Biologist
Let’s say you are a Canadian citizen with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. You get a job offer from a research lab in the United States 🇺🇸 to work as a Biologist. Here’s what you would do:
- Check the List: You look at the USMCA Appendix 1603.D.1 and see that Biologist is on the list.
- Gather Documents: You collect your Canadian passport, your degree, and a job offer letter that describes your duties as a Biologist.
- Go to the Border: You travel to a U.S. port of entry with your documents.
- Present Your Case: You show the CBP officer your documents and explain how your job matches the TN profession list.
- Get Approved: If everything matches, you are approved for TN status and can start working in the United States 🇺🇸.
If your job title was “Research Assistant” but your duties were the same as a Biologist, you would need to make sure your job offer letter explains this clearly. Otherwise, you might be denied.
How to Find the Official TN Visa Profession List
The best way to find the official TN visa profession list is to use government sources:
- USMCA Appendix 1603.D.1: This is the legal document with the full list of professions and requirements.
- USCIS TN USMCA Professionals Page: This page has an easy-to-read summary and links to the official documents. It is updated regularly and is the most reliable source for TN visa information.
- U.S. Department of State: The State Department also provides information for Mexican applicants and general visa guidance.
Other sources, like university websites or immigration law firms, may offer helpful explanations, but always check the official government pages for the most accurate and current information.
Recent Developments and Current Status
As of June 2025, there have been no recent changes to the TN visa profession list. The list remains the same as in the USMCA Appendix 1603.D.1. The U.S. government has not added or removed any professions in the past year. This means the rules and requirements are stable, and applicants can rely on the current list.
USCIS continues to process TN visa applications under these guidelines. There have been no major policy changes or delays reported in the last month. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the TN visa remains a popular and reliable option for Canadian and Mexican professionals.
Common Questions About the TN Visa Profession List
Q: Can I apply for a TN visa if my job is not on the list?
A: No. Only jobs listed in USMCA Appendix 1603.D.1 qualify for the TN visa.
Q: What if my degree is in a different field than my job?
A: Your degree must match the field required for the profession on the list. If it does not, your application may be denied.
Q: Can my spouse work in the United States 🇺🇸 on a TD visa?
A: No. Spouses and children on TD status cannot work, but they can study.
Q: How long can I stay in the United States 🇺🇸 on a TN visa?
A: You can stay for up to three years at a time, and you can renew as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
Q: Where can I get help with my application?
A: You can contact USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, or an immigration attorney for help.
Actionable Takeaways
- Always check the official TN visa profession list in USMCA Appendix 1603.D.1 before applying.
- Make sure your job offer and qualifications match the list exactly.
- Use the USCIS TN USMCA Professionals page for the most current information.
- Gather all required documents before applying.
- If you are unsure, consult an immigration attorney or official government source.
The TN visa is a valuable way for Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in the United States 🇺🇸. By following the official guidelines and using trusted sources, you can improve your chances of a smooth and successful application.
Learn Today
TN Visa → A special nonimmigrant visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens to work temporarily in US professional jobs.
USMCA Appendix 1603.D.1 → The legal document listing all eligible TN professions, required degrees, and licenses.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the main agency processing TN visa petitions and status changes.
Form I-129 → A USCIS petition employers file to request TN status or extensions for eligible workers.
TD Status → Trade Dependent nonimmigrant status allowing spouses and children of TN visa holders to accompany them.
This Article in a Nutshell
The TN visa lets Canadians and Mexicans work temporarily in the US in designated professions under USMCA. Applicants must meet exact job qualifications and submit required documents. Canadians apply at the border; Mexicans through consulates. Understanding the official profession list ensures a smooth application process and legal work status.
— By VisaVerge.com
