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Work Visa

The TN visa, explained simply

The TN lets citizens of Canada and Mexico work in the U.S. in certain professional jobs. It is one of the quicker work visas to get.

Visa type
Temporary work visa
Best for
Canadian and Mexican professionals with a job offer on the USMCA list
How long it lasts
Up to 3 years to start
Can I renew?
Yes, and you can renew many times
Leads to a green card?
Not directly. The TN is for temporary intent
Typical timeline
Fast. Sometimes days or weeks, with no lottery

What is the TN?

The TN comes from the USMCA trade deal between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It lets professionals from Canada and Mexico work in the U.S. in specific jobs. Think roles like engineer, accountant, scientist, teacher, nurse, and many others on the approved list.

It is popular because it is fast and can be renewed again and again as long as you keep qualifying.

Who is it for?

It is only for citizens of Canada and Mexico. You need a job offer from a U.S. employer, and the job has to be one of the professions named in the USMCA list. If your role is not on that list, the TN will not work.

What you need to qualify

  • You are a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
  • You have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
  • The job is on the USMCA professional list.
  • You have the right degree or license for that profession.

How long it lasts and renewing

The TN is usually granted for up to 3 years at a time. You can renew it over and over, with no strict lifetime limit, as long as the job and your intent to stay temporary still hold true.

How much it costs

Costs are typical ranges and vary. Government filing fees and attorney fees are separate. The TN is one of the cheaper work visas. Canadians can often apply at the border with a small fee. Attorney help is optional and charged on top if you use it.

How the process works

  1. You get a job offer from a U.S. employer.
  2. Your employer writes a letter describing the job and pay.
  3. You gather your degree, license, and citizenship proof.
  4. Canadians can apply right at a U.S. port of entry. Mexicans apply at a U.S. consulate first.
  5. If approved, you can start work.

Honest key note: the TN is not a dual intent visa. You are expected to show you plan to stay only temporarily. Openly working toward a green card can raise doubts, so plan carefully if that is your goal.

Can it lead to a green card?

Not directly. The TN is built for temporary intent, so it does not line up with a green card the way the H-1B or L-1 do. Some people switch to another visa first if they want to pursue permanent residence. Get advice before making that move.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Applying for a job that is not on the USMCA list.
  • Not having the exact degree or license the profession requires.
  • Showing strong plans to stay permanently, which conflicts with the TN.
  • A job letter that is vague about your role or pay.

Is the TN right for you?

If you are Canadian or Mexican with a job offer that fits the list, the TN is fast, affordable, and easy to renew. The trade-off is that it is meant to be temporary. If a green card is your long-term plan, weigh the TN against the H-1B or other options first.

Common questions

Who can use the TN?

Only citizens of Canada and Mexico. It does not apply to people from other countries.

How fast can I get it?

Canadians can often get it at the border in a single visit. It is one of the quickest work visas, with no lottery to wait for.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can come on TD status, but they cannot work on that status.

Can I get a green card on the TN?

Not directly, because the TN is for temporary intent. Many people switch to another visa first if they want to seek permanent residence. Talk to an expert before you do.

Not sure if the TN is your best path?

Tell us about your plans. Get guidance on visa options and request support from a licensed expert.

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