NAFTA Visa Overview
TN Class Nonimmigrant Professional Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens
Trade NAFTA status (or TN status, for short) is a special nonimmigration status first enacted by the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It allows American, Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the other NAFTA member countries with certain restrictions as a designated NAFTA Professional. Though it is often referred to as a “TN visa,” TN is actually a status; citizens of Canada do not require visas to enter the United States, though citizens of Mexico do require a visa before seeking TN status.
What You’ll Find on This Page:
- Who Qualifies for TN Status?
- Occupations Eligible for TN Status under NAFTA
- TN Status Application Process
- TN status application and forms
- TN status application for Canadian citizens
- TN status application for Mexican citizens
- TN status application fees
- Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with TN Status?
- Can I Receive a Time Extension to Stay Longer on my TN Status?
Who Qualifies for TN Status?
Professionals from Mexico and Canada in certain fields of occupation with a prearranged job may be eligible for TN status to enter the United States. The professional desiring TN status must have the qualifications necessary within the field and there must be a demonstrated need for a NAFTA professional in order to grant TN status.
Occupations Eligible for TN Status under NAFTA
| Accountant | Sylviculturist (including Forestry Specialist) | Biochemist |
| Architect | Technical Publications Writer | Biologist |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Urban Planner (including Geographer) | Chemist |
| Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster | Vocational Counsellor | Dairy Scientist |
| Economist | Dentist | Entomologist |
| Engineer | Dietitian | Epidemiologist |
| Forester | Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada)/Medical Technologist (Mexico and the United States) | Geneticist |
| Graphic Designer | Nutritionist | Geologist |
| Hotel Manager | Occupational Therapist | Geochemist |
| Industrial Designer | Pharmacist | Geophysicist (including Oceanographer in Mexico and the United States) |
| Interior Designer | Physician (teaching or research only) | Horticulturist |
| Land Surveyor | Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist | Meteorologist |
| Landscape Architect | Psychologist | Pharmacologist |
| Lawyer (including Notary in the Province of Quebec) | Recreational Therapist | Physicist (including Oceanographer in Canada) |
| Librarian | Registered Nurse | Plant Breeder |
| Management Consultant | Veterinarian | Poultry Scientist |
| Mathematician (including Statistician) | Agriculturist (including Agronomist) | Soil Scientist |
| Range Manager/Range Conservationalist | Animal Breeder | Zoologist |
| Research Assistant (working in a post-secondary educational institution) | Animal Scientist | College teacher |
| Scientific Technician/Technologist | Apiculturist | Seminary teacher |
| Social Worker | Astronomer | University teacher |
For more information on NAFTA Professionals, visit the NAFTA website.
TN Status Application process
TN Status Application and Forms
Though the application process for TN status has much in common for all individuals, requirements are different for Canadian citizens and Mexican citizens. Citizens from both countries must obtain a letter of employment from a U.S. employer that confirms the need for their skills at the company consistent with the NAFTA provision.
TN Status Application for Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a visa in order to apply for TN status, and may simply receive authorization for TN status at the U.S. Port of Entry. The Canadian applicant must provide a valid Canadian passport or birth certificate, the standard letter of employment, and proof of job qualification in the form of college degrees, employment records and professional licensing, if required.
TN Status Application for Mexican Citizens
Mexican citizens are required to obtain TN status in the form of an employment visa. Therefore, Mexican applicants must submit to a U.S. consulate in Mexico the standard visa application forms, Form DS-156, (and Form DS-157 for male applicants ages 16-45), along with the other standard visa application materials, a Mexican passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of stay and a standard 2x2 photograph. They must also include the standard letter of employment from a U.S. employer.
TN Status Application Fees
Because Canadian citizens do not require visa applications to apply for TN status, there is no visa fee for Canadian applicants. These applicants must only pay a $50 fee at the border. Mexican applicants, however, must pay the standard visa application fee of $131, as well as the visa issuance reciprocity fee of $100.
Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with TN Status?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried, minor children may be classified as a nonimmigrant by receiving the derivative TD status. TD status may be received for Canadian citizens by showing proof of relation to the principal NAFTA professional at the U.S. Port of Entry and the approved TN status documents. Mexican applicants for TD status must apply for nonimmigrant TD visas at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico in the same manner as the principal NAFTA Professional applied for TN status.
Can I Receive a Time Extension to Stay Longer on my TN Status?
Yes. TN status is granted for a duration of one year. Before your current status expires, your employer must file the standard change of status/renewal document, Form I-129, or, if outside the country, at the U.S. Port of Entry. Extensions of one year may be granted, with no limitations on number of extensions.
Speak to an Immigration Representative for More about NAFTA Professionals and TN Status
The most complicated part of the NAFTA Professional program granting TN or TD status is the letter of employment and proof of proper licensing and education. To make sure you have the appropriate documents in order, you can speak to an immigration rep for detailed help on seeking the TN status as a NAFTA Professional.
To speak with an immigration team member, simply fill out our Immigration Case Evaluation Form.