TN Visa Approval Rates: What the Numbers Really Mean

Approval rates for TN visas are consistently high if you’re already in the U.S. and are applying for an extension or change of status. The TN approval rate through consular processing, however, dropped dramatically in the past year. The decrease reflects closer scrutiny for professionals pursuing this narrowly defined visa.

TN visas are unique from other visas because there are a few ways to apply, so the data on petitions, approvals, and denials is also maintained by a few agencies. Approval rates vary depending on which agency is making the decision.

TN visa approval rates in 2026

The TN visa approval rate for the full fiscal year 2025 is 94.8%, according to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Over the course of the year, USCIS adjudicated 17,241 TN petitions, approving 16,345 and denying 896.

In Q4 2025 (July through September)—the most recent data available—the TN approval rate held steady at 94.5%, with 4,409 petitions adjudicated, 4,168 approved, and 241 denied.

These rates reflect Form I-129 filings from inside the U.S., which include extensions and changes of status, as well as Canadian citizens who file an I-129 from outside the U.S.

TN approval rates have remained remarkably consistent throughout FY 2025 and continue a gradual upward trend from the 91.1% recorded in FY 2021.

Current TN approval rate vs. past approval rates

TN approval rates have steadily increased from a low of 91.1% in fiscal year 2021 up to a high of 94.9% in fiscal year 2025 (through Q3).

Here’s how the 2025 TN approval rate, for petitions through USCIS, compares to past years:

“Petitions Received” reflects TN petitions using Form I-129 received during the period indicated. “Approved” and “Denied” reflect decisions completed on TN petitions during the period and may include cases received in prior periods. Approval rate is calculated as Approvals / (Approvals + Denials).

USCIS vs. Department of State approval rates

While USCIS processes TN petitions filed inside the U.S., the Department of State (DOS) handles TN visa petitions that go through consular processing and require a visa stamp. The majority of the TN visas processed by the DOS are from citizens of Mexico, who are required to get a visa stamp to request entry to the U.S.

The DOS data on TN visas is not quite as current or comprehensive as the data from USCIS. For example, DOS data for FY 2025 only reports monthly visa issuances through May 2025, and denials were not reported. However, monthly reports show that there were 11,244 TN visas issued during that time period.

Even without complete 2025 data, statistics from previous years hint at DOS implementing stricter guidelines in 2024. The approval rate dropped from 82.4% in 2023 to 57.4% in 2024.

We also know that USCIS updated its policies in 2025 to add tighter requirements for TN visa documentation, indicating additional scrutiny for this category of nonimmigrant work visa.

TN visa data from CBP

Data from the DOS and USCIS do not include the TN visa approvals or denials made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which sees the majority of TN petitions from citizens of Canada.

CBP doesn’t publish visa approval and denial data in the way DOS or USCIS do. CBP reports admissions to the U.S. by classification, but those indicate border crossings, which can count the same person multiple times.

Potential reasons for TN denials and RFEs

Denials of TN visas and requests for evidence (RFEs) usually come down to a handful of predictable issues:

• The role doesn’t clearly match a USMCA-listed profession. Job titles alone aren’t enough. Officers focus on the actual duties. If the duties look too general, managerial, or outside the listed profession, you may get an RFE or denial.
• Credentials don’t line up with the profession requirements. The degree or major must match what the TN profession requires. Missing transcripts, unclear evaluations for foreign degrees, or a mismatch between education and duties can trigger questions.
• The offer letter is too vague. Weak offer letters often lack a clear breakdown of duties, work site, salary, hours, supervisor, and end date. Overly broad language can make the job look like it doesn’t qualify under the TN criteria.
• There are employer–employee relationship concerns. TN doesn’t allow self-employment. Arrangements that look like independent contracting, owner-operator, or staffing “shell” setups can lead to heightened scrutiny.
• Temporary intent isn’t well supported. The TN is temporary and isn’t dual intent, meaning it isn’t a path to a Green Card. If the filing suggests you plan to remain in the U.S. and build a permanent life here, officers may ask for clarification.
• Info is inconsistent across documents. Dates, job titles, duties, wages, and worksites should match across the support letter, forms, and any contracts.
• Supporting evidence is missing or weak. Common gaps include missing proof of licensure for a role, a detailed resume, an organizational chart, or proof that the employer can support the role.
• You have prior immigration issues. Status violations, prior denials, or inconsistent filing history can increase the chance of an RFE.
• Your salary is too high. The offered salary is too high and is more in line with a manager or executive than a profession listed on the TN agreement. 

Get support for your TN visa petition

At Manifest Law, our immigration attorneys have helped professionals put together TN filings that are clear and consistent. If you want to maximize your chances of an approved TN visa petition, request a consultation with one of our lawyers.

Frequently asked questions about TN approvals

How long does it take to get a TN visa?

It depends on how you apply. If you apply by filing Form I-129 from inside the U.S., TN visa processing time as of February 2026 is 3.5 months or more. Canadian citizens can often apply at the border or a port of entry, with a same-day decision. Mexican citizens must apply at a U.S. consulate, and timing depends on appointment availability.

What is an RFE, and how can I avoid one?

An RFE is a request for additional evidence that USCIS feels it needs in order to decide on your case. It’s not a denial, but it does slow things down. Most TN RFEs happen when the details in supporting documents are unclear, and not necessarily because the person is unqualified.

Are TN visas easier to get than other work visas?

Not necessarily, but getting a TN visa can feel easier because eligibility is based on a narrower set of rules and is limited to specific professions. For candidates who cleanly fit a TN profession, the process can be relatively straightforward.

What’s the difference between a denial and a rejection?

A denial means your case was reviewed and the officer decided you didn’t meet the requirements for a visa. A rejection means your petition was not accepted for processing because of a technical issue, like a missing signature, incorrect fee, or missing evidence. With a rejection, you can typically fix the issue and re-file. For consular processing, you may also see the term refusal. Some refusals are final, but others indicate that additional documents or processing are needed before a decision can be made.

Additionally, if you are a Canadian citizen and are applying at a port of entry, a CBP officer could give you the option to withdraw your application if they believe that you do not qualify instead of denying the petition.