A Complete Guide to TN Visa Costs in 2025
- TN visa costs vary widely based on citizenship, application method, and case complexity, ranging from under $100 to over $9,000.
- Canadian and Mexican professionals face different application requirements, each with its own set of fees and procedures.
- Dependents often need TD visas, with costs depending on citizenship, application method, and whether they are already in the U.S.
- Applicants can better manage expenses by understanding fees upfront, negotiating employer cost-sharing, or exploring payment plans and financing options.
The TN visa offers a clear path for qualified Canadian and Mexican professionals to work temporarily in the United States. However, applying for this nonimmigrant visa isn’t free, as you may need to pay visa processing fees as well as fees at the border, depending on your country of origin.
In this article, we’re going to dive into everything you need to know about TN visa costs in 2025. This includes visa fees, factors that can impact costs, and tips for managing visa-related expenses:
| 💡What is the TN visa? The TN visa is a U.S. nonimmigrant visa for qualified Canadian and Mexican professionals. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)/United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), this visa allows workers in specialized fields, like engineering, healthcare, scientific research, and law, to work in the United States. Unlike other visas, the TN visa can be renewed indefinitely—typically in three-year increments. |
How Much Does a TN Visa Cost?
There’s no standard fee for a TN visa; the total cost will vary by situation. For example, a Canadian citizen applying at the border may pay as little as $74 for a TN visa. On the other hand, an applicant with an unusually complex case might spend thousands on legal fees alone.
Factors that can impact total TN visa costs include:
- Application method. There are multiple application methods for TN visas, each of which has different fees and costs attached. Depending on your application method, fees may be paid by either you or your employer.
- Premium processing. With premium processing, you’re guaranteed a decision on your USCIS petition within 15 business days. But there’s a substantial premium processing fee for this service and that fee can drive up total visa costs. This is mainly used by people who are changing their status to TN inside the U.S.
- Legal fees. Some applicants work with immigration lawyers during the TN visa process. Fees for legal support vary by lawyer, firm, and case complexity, but typically range between $2,500 and $6,000.
| ➡️ At Manifest Law, TN visa attorney fees range from $2,500-$3,500. We’re proud to offer transparent, flat-fee pricing and a team of experienced TN visa lawyers with an average of 10+ years of experience. To learn more, explore our TN visa success stories and approvals here. |
TN Visa Fees by Application Method
As mentioned, TN visa costs can vary based on how you apply. Let’s take a look at a cost breakdown for each application method:
TN Visa Application Method 1: Applying at a U.S. Port of Entry (Canadian Citizens Only)
Canadian citizens can apply for a TN visa when they cross the border. Documents are reviewed and approved by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer in real time, offering a fast, direct, and affordable way to secure a visa.
Note that while both Canadian and Mexican citizens may be eligible for the TN visa, only Canadians can apply at a U.S. port of entry (PoE).
Costs for this method include:
| Fee Type | What It Is and What It Covers | Cost | Who Pays It |
| Port of Entry TN Processing Fee | Fee paid to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer to cover the review of required documents and issuance of TN status | $50 | Worker |
| I-94 Issuance Fee | Fee paid to CBP (in-person, online, or through the CBP One app) to issue an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record | $24 | Worker |
| Legal fees (optional) | Fees for visa-related legal services (for example, managing the TN application, preparing documents, providing legal advice, etc.) | Varies based on services and lawyer/law firm fees | Employer and/or worker; varies by situation |
TN Visa Application Method 2: Applying via USCIS
You can also apply for a TN visa via U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Both Canadian citizens and Mexican citizens can use this method.
To apply through USCIS, a Canadian citizen should have their employer file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Once that’s approved, the worker can then apply for the TN status at a U.S. port of entry or at an airport border control station, which allows them to legally enter and work in the U.S. It the foreign national was inside the U.S. at the time of filing the I-129, they may also be eligible to have their status automatically changed to TN without needing to leave the United States.
Costs for applying through USCIS include:
| Fee Type | What It Is/What It Covers | Cost | Who Pays It |
Form I-129 Filing Fees | Base fee for filing Form I-129 with USCIS, which starts the TN application process | For Regular Employers: $1,015For Small Employers (25 or fewer employees) or Nonprofits: $510 | Employer |
Asylum Program Fee | One-time fee to help fund the U.S. asylum program | For Regular Employers: $600For Small Employers (25 or fewer employees): $300For Nonprofits: $0 | Employer |
| Premium Processing Fee (optional) | Filing fee for I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service | $2,965 | Employer and/or worker (although employer is more common) |
| Legal fees (optional) | Fees for visa-related legal services (for example, managing the TN application, preparing documents, providing legal advice, etc.) | Varies based on services and lawyer/law firm fees | Employer and/or worker; varies by situation |
*Workers currently in the U.S. under a different visa category do not need to apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. They can ask for an automatic change or extension in status upon Form I-129 approval.
**Individual embassies and consulates may require additional fees; costs vary.
TN Visa Application Method 3: Applying At a U.S. Embassy or Consulate (Mexican Citizens)
Mexican citizens can apply for the TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, but not at a port of entry. If you’re already in the U.S. and want to seek an extension of your stay or a change of status, your employer can file Form I-129 to petition on your behalf.
| Fee Type | What It Is/What It Covers | Cost | Who Pays It |
| Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee | Application fee to secure visa at U.S. consulate or embassy | $185 | Worker |
| Reciprocity fee | Fee imposed on nonimmigrant visa applicants from countries that impose a similar fee on U.S. citizens | Mexico: $79 (12-month validity period) or $357 (48-month validity period) | |
| Legal fees (optional) | Fees for visa-related legal services (for example, managing the TN application, preparing documents, providing legal advice, etc.) | Varies based on services and lawyer/law firm fees | Employer and/or worker; varies by situation |
What about TN Visa costs for dependents?
Dependents may qualify for a “trade dependent” (TD) visa, which allows them to live in the U.S. as long as the TN worker’s visa is active. This includes spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21, who aren’t permitted to work in the U.S. but can study.
Visa costs for dependents vary:
For dependents who are Canadian citizens:
Canadian citizens can apply for TD status directly at a U.S. port of entry when crossing the border. Costs for Canadian dependents in this category include:
| Fee | Cost |
| Port of Entry TD Processing Fee | $50 |
| I-94 Issuance Fee | $24 per I-94 |
For dependents who are Mexican citizens OR non-Canadian/non-Mexican citizens:
Before coming to the U.S., Mexican citizens must visit a U.S. consulate to apply for their TD visa. This also applies to any eligible non-Canadian/non-Mexican dependents. (For example, a French citizen married to a Canadian or Mexican citizen with TN status.)
Visa fees for dependents in this category include:
| Fee | Cost |
| Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee | $185 |
For eligible dependents who are already in the U.S.:
Dependents who are already in the U.S. under a different visa category may need to change their status to TD. If so, their fees would include:
| Fee | Cost |
| Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, Filing Fee* | Online Filing: $420 Paper Filing: $470 |
How to Afford TN Visa Costs
As mentioned, TN visa costs can vary. But if your expenses are trending upwards, there may be ways to lessen the impact.
To make the TN visa process more manageable and affordable, make sure to:
- Educate yourself on which fees apply to you.
- Create a budget and plan ahead.
- Talk to your employer about cost-sharing.
- Explore payment plans with your immigration attorney.
| 💡At Manifest Law, we offer flexible monthly payment plans with no interest and no surprise fees. We’ll work with you to find a setup that fits your situation. Because we know getting your visa shouldn’t require draining your savings. Learn more about working with our experienced TN visa lawyers. |
Get Started on the Path To Securing TN Status
The TN visa can be a great option for Canadian and Mexican professionals who want to build a career in the United States. But the application process—including navigating TN visa costs—can feel complex.
At Manifest Law, we’ve helped eligible Canadian and Mexican professionals successfully secure TN visas with personalized strategy and flat-fee legal support. If you’re ready to take the next step or want clarity on whether you qualify, we’re here to guide you through it.
👉 Request a consultation to get started. We’ll walk you through the process, the cost, and what to expect, step by step.
Manifest’s expertise in immigration drives 90%+ approval rates and services that will make your immigration journey seamless and stress-free: risk-free filing with 100% money-back guarantee plan; personalized case support with profile building and former USCIS experts review; and live case tracking.
FAQs
How much does a TN visa cost with Manifest Law?
At Manifest Law, we keep TN visa pricing simple and transparent. No billable hours. No vague estimates. Just two straightforward options. With these plans, you know exactly what you’re getting and exactly what it costs:
- Silver Plan – $2,500: Full-service TN visa representation. This includes legal strategy, USCIS filing, and a dedicated case manager. Pay upfront or in 4 monthly installments.
- Gold Plan – $3,500: Everything in the Silver Plan, plus guaranteed submission within 30 days. This package also includes a 60% money-back guarantee and a free re-file for case denials. Also available for upfront payment or as a 4-month payment plan.
| ➡️ Important: The listed filing fees here are accurate as of November 2025 and are subject to change. We always recommend checking USCIS’s official Filing Fees page or consulting with your immigration attorney for the most up-to-date information on filing fees. |
Does TN have a lottery like the H-1B visa?
No, there is no lottery system for TN visas. There is no annual cap, and workers can apply year-round.
Are permanent residents of Canada or Mexico eligible for TN status?
No, only citizens of Canada or Mexico who meet visa requirements are eligible.
Can a TN visa holder work for more than one employer?
Yes, TN visa holders can work for more than one U.S. employer at the same time. But government officials must approve each individual employer.
Can a TN visa holder apply for a green card?
This visa category doesn’t offer a direct path to a green card. But TN visa holders might pursue permanent residency through other avenues. For example, they might apply for an employment-based green card (like EB-1 or EB-2 NIW) or marry a U.S. citizen.
