What is the TN Visa?

Last Updated on March 15, 2024

What is the TN Visa?

The TN visa is a special classification for citizens of Canada and Mexico as part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on July 1, 2020.

What Are the TN Visa Requirements?

Citizens from Mexico and Canada are eligible for the TN classification and to work in the U.S. if they work in some of the following professions:

  • Accountant
  • Engineer
  • Scientist
  • Medical/healthcare professional
  • Lawyer
  • Architect
  • Economist
  • Computer systems analyst
  • Many more

How Long Does the TN Visa Last?

TN holders have an initial stay in the U.S. of three years. After that period, TN visa holders can apply for unlimited renewals that are granted in three-year increments. As such, the total stay varies.

TN holders should speak with their attorney if the temporary nature of the assignment changes.

How Much Does the TN Visa Cost?

These are the fees for the TN:

  • Visa application filing fee at a US Embassy or Consulate Abroad: $160
  • USCIS petition filing fee: $460 (only necessary if the foreign national is inside the U.S. and switches to a TN 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 within 15 calendar days. This means USCIS will approve, issue a request for evidence or deny the visa petition.

TN Process for Canadian Citizens

Canadians will need to take the entire TN petition packet, including any original documents as necessary, to the Canada – U.S. border or to Pre-Flight Inspection at a Canadian airport. From there, US immigration adjudicators will review the petition and, if approved, issue an I-94 card.

TN Process for Mexican Citizens

The TN visa process for citizens of Mexico involves some different steps. First, Mexico residents will need to schedule an appointment with the U.S. Consulate in Mexico. They then attend that appointment and take the entire TN petition packet, including any original documents as necessary, to the U.S. Consulate.

Next, the U.S. consulate issues the visa stamp, and the employee receives the stamped passport from the Consulate. Finally, the employee can travel to the U.S. and receive the I-94 card upon entry into the U.S.

Envoy Global can help you navigate the TN visa and other immigration matters by combining top immigration law firms and a robust technology platform. If you’re seeking to simplify your company’s immigration program, contact us to learn more.

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Content in this publication is not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an Envoy-affiliated attorney or another qualified professional.