TN Visa – Canadian Nationals
TN Visa at a Glance
Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), qualified Canadian citizens may obtain TN status to work in one of 60+ listed professions without labor certification. There is no annual cap and approvals are often same-day at the port of entry (POE). (uscis.gov)
📋 TN Visa Requirements
| Requirement | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must hold a Canadian passport. |
| Occupation | Job must appear in Appendix 2 / Annex 16-A (e.g., engineer, pharmacist, teacher). (ectf.gov) |
| Qualifications | Degree / license matching the profession. |
| Job Offer | Detailed letter with duties, salary & < 3-year term. |
| Temporary Intent | Show ties to Canada; TN is not dual-intent. |
| Route | Government Fees (since 1-abr-2024) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
|
POE (recommended) |
CBP inspection fee + I-94 (≈ US $6) | Same-day decision |
| Mail-in I-129 | US $1,015 (US $510 small employer) + Asylum Program Fee (US $600/300/0) |
2–6 mesesPremium: 15 días (I-907 US $2,805) (bdzlaw.com, uscis.gov) |
Benefits of TN Status
- Initial validity up to 3 years with unlimited renewals while eligible. (uscis.gov)
- No PERM or lottery.
- TD status for spouse & children < 21
- Easier employer changes—file new TN or re-enter at POE.
Our Strategy (Luis F. Hess PLLC)
- Confirm profession & credentials vs. USMCA list.
- Craft a persuasive employer support letter highlighting duties & temporary nature.
- Prepare credential evaluations for foreign degrees.
- Develop roadmap for future H-1B or EB petitions if permanent residence is a goal.
Timeline Overview
- Document prep → 1-2 weeks
- POE interview → 1 day▸ start work immediately.
- Renewal / Change of Employer → re-entry or I-129 (15 days Premium).
FAQ:
Q: Can I work as a 1099 contractor?
A: No, there must be a U.S. employer controlling the work.
Q: How many times can I renew my TN?
As many times as you like, as long as you demonstrate temporary intent and continue to qualify. (uscis.gov)
Q: Can my TD spouse obtain a work permit?
No. TD does not authorize employment in the U.S., but you can switch to another visa if you are eligible.
Q: Do I have to go through USCIS if I already have a job offer?
A: No, Canadians often save time by filing directly at the border. Only use Form I-129 if you do not wish to travel.
Ready to start your TN journey? Book a free strategy call today:
📍 282 Ed English Dr., Bldg 6-D, The Woodlands, TX 77385
📞 281-357-9689
✉️ info@luishesslaw.com
“Cross the border with confidence—our TN team has you covered.”
