The TN visa is a special
classification for citizens of
Canada and Mexico as part of
the U.S.–Mexico–Canada
Agreement (USMCA), formerly
known as the North American
Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA).
TN VISA
INTRODUCTION TO THE TN VISA
TN VISA
TN: NORTH AMERICAN
FREE TRADE PROFESSIONALS
Who’s Eligible
Ci
tizens from Mexico and Canada in the following professions:
Accountant, engineer, scientist, medical/healthcare professional, architect, lawyer,
teacher, economist, social worker, mathematician, psychologist, computer systems analyst,
industrial designer and more. A full list of NAFTA-designated professions can be found
here: https://resources.envoyglobal.com/temporary-work-visas/what-is-the-tn-visa
INTRODUCTION TO THE TN VISA
TN VISA
Validity Period
Future Plans
We recommend that you speak to your attorney if the temporary nature of the assignment
changes.
Government Fees
Consular filing fee: $160
USCIS petition filing fee: $460, only necessary if the foreign national is inside the U.S. and
switches to a TN visa from another visa status. TN visas only need USCIS approval in this
rare situation.
Premium processing: Employers can pay the $2,500 premium processing fee when
available and USCIS will adjudicate the TN petition, meaning they are required to approve,
issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or deny the visa petition within 15 calendar days.
Dependents
Employees may be accompanied by their spouses and unmarried children 21 years and
under with a TD nonimmigrant dependent visa classification. Dependents do not have to
be citizens of Canada or Mexico to be eligible for TD status. Dependents are not authorized
to work, but they are allowed to study.
Varies
3 years
INITIAL STAY
RENEWALS
Unlimited extensions granted in
3-year
increments
TOTAL STAY
INTRODUCTION TO THE TN VISA
TN VISA
Employee Document Checklist
Visa stamp, if any
Diploma
Form I-94* Arrival/Departure Record
Transcripts/marksheets
Digital photo for DS-160, the Electronic
Consular Application
Only for Mexicans applying at an
embassy or consulate
Resume or curriculum vitae
Education evaluation, if it’s not a Mexican,
Canadian or U.S. degree
Passport
All Previous Form I-797 Approval Notices, if any
*If inside the U.S. and applying for an extension or transfer
KEY EMPLOYER
TAKEAWAYS
Only citizens of Mexico and
Canada qualify.
Limited types of professions
qualify for the TN visa.
Contact an attorney if the
position becomes long-term
or permanent to discuss your
options.
Employer Document Checklist
Financial statements or annual report
Catalogs, brochures or other types of
marketing literature
Copy of company letterhead
Employment contract
Detailed job description
855-840-8046
www.envoyglobal.com
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be
relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at Corporate
Immigration Partners, P.C., or another qualified professional of your choosing. On non-U.S. immigration issues,
consult your Envoy representative, or another qualified representative of your choosing.
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