TN Visa (USMCA/NAFTA Professional)
A nonimmigrant work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals in specific occupations, no cap, no lottery, and Canadian citizens can apply at the border.
How It Works
The TN visa is available under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA) for citizens of Canada and Mexico working in specific professional occupations listed in the treaty. The list includes engineers, scientists, accountants, management consultants, computer systems analysts, and many others. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the U.S. port of entry with their job offer letter and credentials, no prior petition to USCIS is needed. Mexican citizens must obtain a TN visa at a U.S. consulate. TN status is granted for up to 3 years and can be renewed indefinitely. Unlike H-1B, TN status does not have "dual intent", applicants must maintain the intent to return home, which complicates green card planning.
Related Terms
- H-1B Visa, A nonimmigrant work visa allowing U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in "specialty occupations" that require at least a bachelor's degree, the primary visa for skilled tech, engineering, and professional workers.
- Green Card (Permanent Residency), Lawful permanent resident status in the United States, the ultimate goal for most H-1B workers, granting the right to live and work permanently without employer sponsorship.
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About This Definition
This definition is part of the H1BVisaTracker H-1B Visa Glossary, 26 terms explaining H-1B sponsorship, work visas, and employment-based immigration in the United States. Written for international workers, employers, and immigration professionals.