Work and Employment
TN Visa: Everything You Need to Know
The TN visa is a temporary work visa designed for Canadian and Mexican citizens who have job offers in the U.S. In this TN visa guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about the TN visa requirements, processing time, and costs.
By:
Chelsea Spinos
Reviewer:
Simon Craven, Esq.
10 min read • Feb 16, 2024
Key takeaways
The TN visa is for Canadians and Mexicans coming to work in certain professions in the U.S.
To be eligible for the TN visa, you have to show that you have the right qualifications for the TN visa occupation.
Canadians can apply for the TN visa at the border. Mexican citizens need to apply at the US embassy or consulate.
TN visa duration is for 3 years with unlimited extensions.
Our experienced TN visa lawyers can help you prepare the full package of documents and avoid most common mistakes
More than 33,000 people have received their TN visa last year
US Government stats, 2022
Accountant
Architect
Computer Systems Analyst
Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster
Economist
Engineer
Forester
Graphic Designer
Hotel Manager
Industrial Designer
Interior Designer
Land Surveyor
Landscape Architect
Lawyer
Forester
Librarian
Management Consultant
Mathematician
Range Manager
Research Assistant
Scientific Technician/Technologist
Social Worker
Sylviculturist (including Forestry Specialist)
Technical Publications Writer
Urban Planner (including Geographer)
Vocational Counselor
Dentist
Dietitian
Medical Technologist
Nutritionist
Occupational Therapist
Pharmacist
Physician
Physical Therapist
Psychologist
Recreational Therapist
Registered Nurse
Veterinarian
Agriculturist
Animal Breeder
Animal Scientist
Apiculturist
Astronomer
Biochemist
Biologist
Chemist
Dairy Scientist
Entomologist
Epidemiologist
Geneticist
Geochemist
Geologist
Geophysicist
Horticulturist
Meteorologist
Pharmacologist
Physicist
Plant Breeder
Poultry Scientist
Soil Scientist
Zoologist
College
Seminary
University
[2] The terms “state/provincial license” and “state/provincial/federal license” mean any document issued by a state, provincial, or federal government, as the case may be, or under its authority, but not by a local government, that permits a person to engage in a regulated activity or profession.
[3] “Post-Secondary Diploma” means a credential issued, on completion of two or more years of postsecondary education, by an accredited academic institution in Canada or the United States.
[4] “Post-Secondary Certificate” means a certificate issued, on completion of two or more years of postsecondary education at an academic institution, by the federal government of Mexico or a state government in Mexico, an academic institution recognized by the federal government or a state government, or an academic institution created by federal or state law.
[5] The term “Mathematician” includes the profession of Actuary. An Actuary must satisfy the necessary requirements to be recognized as an actuary by a professional actuarial association or society. A professional actuarial association or society means a professional actuarial association or society operating in the territory of at least one of the Parties.
[6] A business person in this category must be seeking temporary entry for work in direct support of professionals in agricultural sciences, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, forestry, geology, geophysics, meteorology or physics.
[7] A business person in this category must be seeking temporary entry to perform in a laboratory, chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic or bacteriological tests and analyses for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases.
[8] The term “Biologist” includes the profession of Plant Pathologist.
Take our free quiz to find out if you are eligible.
Can I get a TN visa as a Management Consultant?
Not sure If you qualify for an TN visa?
Reach out to us and our TN visa attorneys can help evaluate the strength of your case.
Can I get a TN visa as an Economist?
Applying for a TN visa in the Economist category can present its unique challenges. To meet the TN visa requirements as an Economist, you'll need a degree in Economics or a related field, along with an offer from a U.S. employer as an Economist.
It's worth noting the government has taken a very strict view of what it means to be an Economist, and only certain roles will qualify.
So, what does the government expect Economists to do? USCIS emphasizes a focus on microeconomics or macroeconomics specialization. Your job responsibilities should include research, report preparation, and addressing economic issues related to production, distribution, or monetary and fiscal policy. Economists typically analyze sectors on a broad scale, ranging from international trade to health and education.
On the flip side, the government explicitly says that TN visa Economists shouldn't be working as financial analysts or market researchers. Financial analysts mainly analyze investments, while market researchers gather data for marketing strategies, and both of these jobs would be outside of the definition of Economist.
If you’re submitting a TN visa application as an Economist, it’s important to make sure that your job matches the duties outlined by the government very closely.
Our TN visa attorneys have substantial experience dealing with various applications for Canadian and Mexican economists and can advice on the best way to present your case.
TN visa approval rate in recent years exceeds 90%
USCIS, 2022
All TN Visa requirements are job specific. Some may require a bachelor's degree or a license. Check out our complete TN visa occupation list to see if you meet the requirements.
To prove that you qualify, you must include documents, like your diploma or license, with your TN visa application.
Our experienced TN visa lawyers will review your job offer and description to ensure it complies with TN visa requirements and best practices.
The Form I-129
If you are filing from within the U.S. (as a change from another status), the time to receive an E2 visa decision after filing is usually about 1 or 2 months.
You can download form i-129 here for free.
Or see an example of form i-129 below:
When can I start working under a TN Visa?
There are two types of fees associated with your TN visa application:
TN lawyer fees
Government fees and other costs
TN visa lawyer fees
Most Organizations
Organizations with fewer than 25 employees
Nonprofits
I-129 Fee
$1,015
$510
$510
Asylum Program Fee
$600
$300
N/A
TOTAL
$1,615
$810
$510
Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com
Since TN visa applications can be complex and involve a lot of job related paperwork, many people find it helpful to work with an experienced immigration lawyer.
Hiring an TN visa lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes and increase your TN visa chances of approval. Qualified immigration lawyers know how the TN visa process works, help you gather the right evidence, and make sure you meet the TN visa requirements.
Here at Manifest Law, our TN visa lawyers have 10+ years of experience. We offer flexible payment plans stretching up to 6 months, a visa-approved or money-back guarantee (terms apply), and immigration lawyers who are well-versed in the TN visa process.
What are the differences between TN visa vs H1B?
Is it difficult to get TN visa?
How long can you stay in the U.S. with a TN visa?
How long does it take for a TN visa to be approved?
Do TN visas require sponsorship?
What happens if you lose your job on a TN visa?
Can I go from TN visa to Green Card?