Requirements for TN STATUS: Professional Employment under NAFTA

TN (Trade NAFTA) status is a temporary professional nonimmigrant classification for citizens from Canada and Mexico only. This visa is granted based on a job offer in the U.S. (see sample of TN job offer letter), proof of the individual's qualifications for the position, and an application presented at the port-of-entry. The TN status will be granted for 1 year at a time, and is renewable indefinitely. There is a specific list of occupations that are eligible for the TN status. Most occupations on a university campus are included on this list. All occupations require the minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the foreign equivalent.

USCIS requires no prior processing before the TN enters the U.S. All documents are presented at the port-of entry, the status is granted, and the individual is admitted. Renewals of the TN status can be processed by re-entering the country again, or through an application process by mail. The provisions for entry of workers from Mexico under the TN category have changed as of January 1, 2004. Mexican citizens can apply directly for the TN visa at U.S. Consulates in Mexico without prior USCIS approval. In addition there is no numerical cap on TN’s for Mexican citizens.

Dependents of TN workers are admitted into the U.S. under the TD status. TD dependents are allowed to attend school in the U.S., but cannot be employed under any circumstances.

DURATION OF STAY
One year per entry

USCIS PROCESSING TIME

Canadian citizens - one day at the Border
Mexican citizens -apply directly at the U.S. Consulate in Mexico

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