TN Visa — USMCA Professionals
The TN visa allows eligible Canadian professionals to work temporarily in the United States under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (USMCA). This category facilitates professional mobility for specific listed occupations and is widely used by Canadian citizens employed by U.S. companies or cross-border businesses.
To qualify, the applicant must be a Canadian citizen, have an offer of employment in a listed profession, and meet the corresponding educational or licensing requirements. TN status may be granted for up to three years at a time and can be renewed indefinitely. Spouses and children may accompany the principal applicant in TD status, though they are not authorized to work.
Cohen Visa advises professionals and employers on eligibility, documentation, border and consular processing strategies, and the appropriate use of TN status within broader U.S. immigration and permanent residence planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the TN Visa process and requirements
If your profession is not included in the USMCA list of eligible occupations, you are not eligible for TN status. The agreement specifies exact professions that qualify, and you cannot provide services in occupations outside of this list.
If your degree was awarded by a university outside of the United States, Canada, or Mexico, you must obtain a credentials evaluation to demonstrate that your education meets the requirements for TN Visa eligibility.
Yes, certain occupations accept a post-secondary diploma as an alternative to a bachelor's degree. These include: computer systems analysts, graphic designers, hotel managers, industrial designers, interior designers, technical publication writers, medical laboratory technologists, and medical technologists. A post-secondary diploma is a credential issued after completing two or more years of post-secondary education at an accredited institution in Canada or the United States.
Depending on the specific reason for your denial, you may be able to reapply. It's important to address the issues that led to the initial denial before submitting a new application.
If you change employers or job positions, you will likely need to amend your TN status to reflect the new employment situation. This ensures your visa remains valid for your current role.
Generally, applying at the border is more cost-efficient. However, each method has its own advantages and requirements. The border application process is typically faster, while mailing in the application allows for more thorough preparation.
To qualify as a TN Management Consultant, you must have a Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree, or equivalent professional experience. This can be demonstrated through a statement or professional credential showing five years of experience as a management consultant, or five years of experience in a field of specialty related to the consulting agreement.
Yes, dependent spouses do not need to be Canadian or Mexican citizens to apply for TD status. Dependents can secure TD status through a U.S. Consulate, regardless of their nationality.
TN Visa requirements vary based on each specific case and profession. Generally, you need to be a citizen of Canada or Mexico, have a profession listed in the USMCA, meet the educational or experience requirements for that profession, have a job offer from a U.S. employer, and demonstrate temporary intent. The specific requirements depend on your occupation and individual circumstances.
Market Research Analyst is not a listed TN profession. However, you might qualify under the TN Economist category if your role and qualifications align with that profession's requirements.
Yes, you can work for multiple employers with a TN visa. Each employer relationship must be properly documented and comply with TN visa regulations. You'll need to ensure all employment arrangements meet the requirements for your TN status.
No, TN status cannot be used for self-employment. If you wish to start or run your own business, you should consider other visa categories that are more suitable for such activities, such as the E-1 (Treaty Trader) or E-2 (Treaty Investor) visas.
Certain health care workers must obtain a certificate from a credentialing organization verifying that their training and/or licenses meet all statutory and regulatory requirements for entry into the U.S. This certificate must confirm the applicant has the required level of English proficiency and, if applicable, has passed any required licensing or certification examination. This applies to: licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, registered nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, audiologists, medical technologists, physician assistants, and medical technicians. The certificate is required even if the foreign national was trained in the United States.
While both Canadian and Mexican citizens can benefit from TN status, there are important differences in the application process. Canadian citizens can apply for TN status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or at select ports-of-entry. Mexican citizens, however, must apply at a U.S. Consulate and cannot apply directly at the border.
Yes, Hotel Manager is a listed TN profession. However, there are specific requirements: the qualifying degree must be specifically in hotel management or restaurant management. Other related degrees will not qualify. If you don't have a bachelor's degree, you may still qualify if you possess a post-secondary certificate or diploma in hotel or restaurant management along with 3 years of relevant experience.