Practice areas
TN visa: fast work status for Canadian and Mexican professionals
USMCA professional status, renewals and change of status filings.
Consultations by phone, Zoom or WhatsApp, in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
Short answer
The TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican citizens in about 60 listed professions, including engineers, accountants, scientists and management consultants. There is no lottery and no annual cap. Canadians can apply at the border and often receive status the same day; Mexican citizens apply at a consulate first.
Start work in the U.S. in weeks, not through a lottery.
Overview
Whether you're a Canadian or Mexican citizen with a qualifying job offer, work with our TN visa attorney to get it right the first time.
Why work with our attorney for a TN visa?
If you're applying through a border crossing, consulate, or from inside the U.S., our team at 360 Immigration Law Group in Coral Springs will guide you through the TN visa process with clear steps and steady support.
Who can apply for a TN visa?
The TN visa allows certain Canadian and Mexican professionals to work temporarily in the U.S. under NAFTA (now USMCA). It's used for specific occupations listed in the treaty, and the job must require the degree or credentials that the applicant holds.
- Accountants
- Engineers
- Medical technologists
- Scientific technicians
- Teachers
- Computer systems analysts
- Registered nurses
- Dentists
Need help confirming if your profession qualifies for TN status?
- We'll review your offer, documents, and background to make sure everything lines up
To qualify for TN status, applicants must meet several requirements:
Citizenship You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents do not qualify).
NAFTA-Listed Occupation Your job offer must fall under one of the listed professional categories.
Qualifications You must have the degree, license, or credentials required for the position.
Temporary Intent You must plan to work in the U.S. temporarily (no green card sponsorship through TN directly).
Employers must also provide a job offer letter outlining your position, responsibilities, and salary.
- The TN Visa Application Process
Here's how the TN visa process typically works, depending on where you're applying from:
1. Confirm Eligibility Check that the job offer and applicant qualifications match a TN profession.
2. Gather Required Documents Includes proof of citizenship, job offer letter, and professional credentials.
3. Apply at Border, Consulate, or via USCIS Canadians may apply directly at a port of entry. Mexicans must apply through a U.S. consulate. If already in the U.S., you can file Form I-129.
4. Receive TN Status If approved, you'll receive a TN classification for up to 3 years.
5. Extension or Change of Status (if needed) You can extend your stay or request a change in immigration status while inside the U.S.
Even though the TN visa is considered more streamlined, it's still easy to run into issues, especially if the job title or degree doesn't exactly match the NAFTA list. Contact our team if:
- You're trying to understand your TN status visa options
- You're applying for a TN visa for the first time
- Your previous TN application was denied
- You're planning to switch from TN to another status or a green card
Ready to apply for a TN visa?
We've helped professionals from Canada and Mexico secure TN status quickly and correctly without delays or confusion. Whether you're filing at a port of entry or inside the United States, we're here to help.
- Contact Our Coral Springs Office Today
What is the TN visa?
It's a temporary work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals under NAFTA/USMCA, valid for up to 3 years at a time.
Can I check my TN visa status?
If you applied through USCIS, you can track your TN application online. If you applied at a port of entry or consulate, ask the officer or embassy handling your case.
Can I bring my family on a TN visa?
Yes. Spouses and children can apply for TD visas, but they cannot work in the U.S.
Who qualifies?
You are a citizen of Canada or Mexico
Permanent residents of those countries do not qualify.
Your job is on the USMCA professions list
The role must match the listed occupation, not merely resemble it.
You hold the required credential
Usually a bachelor's degree or a licence, depending on the profession.
The position is temporary in nature
TN is renewable indefinitely but requires non-immigrant intent.
Schedule a case evaluation
Tell us your situation. We will tell you honestly whether you have a case.
Schedule Free Case EvaluationWe reply within 1 business day, in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
Do you qualify? A four-question check
Do you qualify? A four-question check
Four questions.
What does the process look like?
Match the role to the list
1 week
The support letter must map the duties to the listed profession precisely.
Prepare the employer letter and credentials
1 to 2 weeks
Including degree evaluation where the credential is foreign.
Apply at the border or consulate
Same day to 4 weeks
Canadians at a port of entry or preclearance; Mexicans at a consulate.
Extensions
Every 3 years
Filed with USCIS or by reapplying at the border.
How long does it take?
Canadian citizens frequently obtain TN status the same day at a port of entry. Mexican citizens typically need 2 to 6 weeks for a consular appointment. Extensions filed with USCIS take 2 to 4 months, or 15 days with premium processing.
What does it cost?
Flat fee for the support package.
We quote a flat fee to prepare the employer support letter, credential evidence and filing strategy. Government fees are modest compared with other work visas.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in three-year increments, provided the role remains temporary in nature.
Contact
Tell us about your case
Send us the basics and we'll reply within one business day in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
- We reply within one business day, in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
- Consultations by phone, Zoom or WhatsApp.
- Attorney input is part of our case evaluation process from the start. The information you share is carefully reviewed with an attorney.
Take the Next Step Today
Whether you need help with a visa, a green card, or deportation defense, we're ready to help.
Reach out to our trusted immigration law attorneys in Coral Springs and South Florida.