The TN Visa: A Special Classification for Citizens of Canada and Mexico

Last Updated on November 5, 2024

What is the TN Visa?

Attracting top talent is crucial for driving organizational success, and the TN visa is a valuable tool. The TN visa is a special classification for citizens of Canada and Mexico, established under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This agreement, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on July 1, 2020, facilitates easier entry for certain professionals from these countries to work in the U.S. 

Our comprehensive TN visa blog is designed to help you understand and navigate the intricacies of this visa pathway, enabling your team and organization to thrive. It covers eligibility requirements, validity periods, and additional insights to refine your international recruitment strategy.  

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

Validity of the TN Visa 

TN visa holders can initially stay in the U.S. for up to three years. After this period, they can apply for unlimited renewals, granted in three-year increments. Thus, the total stay duration can vary. TN holders should consult with their attorney if the temporary nature of their assignment changes. 

How Much Does the TN Visa Cost?

Below is updated pricing information for a TN visa application as of April 1, 2024:

Updated USCIS pricing
Updated USCIS pricing information for the TN visa, effective April 1, 2024.

Please see the fee glossary in our ABCs of Immigration Guide for more details. 

Premium Processing for TN Visas

As of Feb. 26, 2024, employers can pay the $2,805 premium processing fee as of Feb. 26, 2024, when available.

A USCIS officer will adjudicate the TN petition and approve, issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), or deny the visa petition within 15 business days.

TN Process for Canadian Citizens

Canadians must take the entire TN petition packet, including any original documents as necessary, to the Canada – U.S. border or 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 Mexican citizens involves several steps. First, residents must schedule an appointment with the U.S. Consulate in Mexico. They then attend that appointment and take the entire TN petition packet to the U.S. Consulate, including any original documents as necessary.

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 and the TN Visa Process  

Envoy Global can assist you in navigating the TN visa process and other immigration matters. By combining top immigration law firms with a robust technology platform, we simplify your company’s immigration program. Contact us to learn more, and check out our ABCs of Immigration guide.  

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Envoy is pleased to provide you with this information, which was prepared in Corporate Immigration Partners, P.C., a U.S. law firm who provides services through the Envoy Platform (the “U.S. Law Firm”).  

Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Envoy is not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. If you would like guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and you are a client of the U.S. Law Firm, consult your attorney. If you are not a client of the U.S. Law Firm working with Envoy, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with the U.S. Law Firm.