TN Visas (USMCA Professionals)

Do You Qualify? (The Baseline Requirements)

To qualify for TN status, the applicant and the U.S. employer must meet three strict requirements:

1. Citizenship: The applicant must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents do not qualify).

2. Pre-Arranged Employment: The applicant must have a pre-arranged full-time or part-time job offer from a U.S. employer (self-employment is not permitted).

3. The USMCA Professions List: The role must strictly align with one of the 63 approved professions outlined in the USMCA treaty. Common eligible professions include:

   • Engineers & Architects

   • Computer Systems Analysts

   • Accountants & Economists

   • Management Consultants

   • Scientists & Medical Professionals

   • Graphic Designers

The applicant must also possess the specific educational credentials or licensure required for that profession (typically a Bachelor's degree or higher).

Two Distinct Pathways: Canada vs. Mexico

The application process is entirely different depending on the applicant's citizenship.

1. The Canadian Process (Apply at the Border)

Canadian citizens are exempt from needing a physical visa stamp in their passport. We compile a comprehensive physical application packet, and the Canadian professional simply presents it to a CBP officer at a U.S. Port of Entry (or a pre-clearance facility at a Canadian airport) on their way to the U.S.

• The Advantage: Same-day adjudication. If approved, the employee can enter the U.S. and begin working immediately.

2. The Mexican Process (Apply at the Consulate)

Mexican citizens must obtain a physical TN visa stamp in their passport before arriving at the U.S. border. We assist the applicant in completing the DS-160 online application and schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico.

• The Process: After an IMMI.LAW attorney prepares your application packet and conducts a mock interview, you attend the consular appointment. Once the visa is issued, you may travel to the U.S. border for admission.

(Note for both: If the Canadian or Mexican professional is already inside the U.S. in another valid legal status, IMMI.LAW can file Form I-129 directly with USCIS to request a Change of Status, avoiding the need for international travel).

Official Government Fees (Current as of 2026)

Because there are multiple ways to apply, the fees vary significantly. The following are direct fees paid to the U.S. Government and do not include IMMI.LAW’s legal representation fees.

For Canadians Applying at the Border (CBP):

• CBP Processing Fee: $50

• Land Border I-94 Fee: $30 (Note: This fee increased from $6 to $30 in late 2025 under new CBP regulations).

For Mexicans Applying at the Consulate (Department of State):

• DS-160 Visa Application Fee: $185

• Visa Reciprocity Fee: Varies based on validity requested (e.g., approx. $357 for a 4-year multiple-entry visa).

• 🚨 New 2026 Visa Integrity Fee: $250 (A new mandatory fee introduced for FY2026, payable upon visa issuance).

For U.S. Employers Filing Inside the U.S. via USCIS (Form I-129):

• Form I-129 Base Fee: $1,015 (or $510 for small employers).

• Asylum Program Fee: $600 (or $300 for small employers).

• Premium Processing (Optional): $2,965 (Guarantees a 15-business-day processing time. USCIS increased this fee effective March 1, 2026).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does TN status last? TN professionals are initially granted a stay of up to 3 years. The status can be renewed indefinitely in up to 3-year increments, either by filing an extension through USCIS or by re-applying at the border/consulate.

Does a TN visa lead to a Green Card? Unlike the H-1B or L-1, the TN visa does not carry "dual intent." When you apply for or renew a TN, you must demonstrate a strict intent to return to your home country. While an employer can sponsor a TN worker for a Green Card, the timing and strategy must be handled flawlessly by an attorney to avoid violating the TN’s non-immigrant terms.

Can my family come with me? Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany the TN worker on TD (Trade Dependent) visas. While TD dependents are allowed to study in the U.S., they are strictly prohibited from working or obtaining a Social Security Number.

Cross Borders with Confidence

Do not leave your TN application to chance at the border. Schedule a Corporate Immigration Consultation with IMMI.LAW today, and let us prepare a meticulously documented case that guarantees a smooth entry.

Schedule Your Assessment Consultation

(US $150)