TN NAFTA/USMCA Professional Visa Services

What is a TN Visa?

The TN (Treaty NAFTA) visa classification was established under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has been replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This visa category allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in professional-level business activities.

Unlike many other work visas, the TN visa is specifically limited to professionals in certain designated occupations and requires specific educational credentials or work experience.

TN Visa Requirements

To qualify for TN status, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
• Have a job offer in the United States
• Work in a qualifying profession listed in the USMCA
• Meet the specific education and/or experience requirements for your profession
• The position must require a NAFTA/USMCA professional
• You must intend to depart the U.S. upon completion of your authorized stay (though this can be renewed)

Qualifying TN Professions

The USMCA designates specific professions eligible for TN status. Some of the common professions include:

• Healthcare: Physician (teaching or research only), Dentist, Pharmacist, Registered Nurse, Medical Laboratory Technologist, Veterinarian
• Sciences: Chemist, Biologist, Biochemist, Animal Breeder, Animal Scientist, Geneticist, Geologist
• Teaching: College/University Professor, Seminary Teacher
• Engineering: Engineer (all fields), Architect, Surveyor, Range Manager/Range Conservationist
• Mathematics/Sciences: Mathematician, Research Assistant, Physicist, Statistician
• Social Sciences: Economist, Psychologist, Social Worker, Vocational Counselor
• Legal: Lawyer (including Solicitor and Barrister)
• Business: Accountant, Management Consultant, Hotel Manager, Industrial Designer
• Computer/IT: Computer Systems Analyst, Graphic Designer, Scientific Technician/Technologist

Each profession has specific educational and/or experience requirements, typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree in the relevant field.

Differences Between Canadian and Mexican TN Applicants

While the substantive requirements are the same, the application procedures differ:

For Canadian Citizens

Canadians can apply directly at a U.S. port of entry (land border or pre-flight inspection at Canadian airports). They do not need to obtain a visa stamp before traveling to the U.S. The process involves:

1. Preparing required documentation
2. Presenting the documentation to a CBP officer at the port of entry
3. Paying the TN application fee
4. Receiving TN status and entry into the U.S. if approved

For Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate before traveling to the United States. The process involves:

1. Filing a visa application (DS-160)
2. Scheduling and attending an interview at a U.S. consulate
3. Obtaining the TN visa if approved
4. Presenting the visa at a port of entry to request admission

Our TN Visa Services

JZ Law Group provides comprehensive legal services for the TN visa process, including:

• Evaluating eligibility for TN classification
• Advising on documentary evidence of professional qualifications
• Preparing detailed support letters and application packages
• Assisting employers with job offer letters and required documentation
• Advising on port of entry or consular processing procedures
• Providing representation for visa extensions and status changes
• Addressing complex issues such as previous immigration violations
• Counseling on long-term immigration options beyond the TN status

Advantages of the TN Visa

The TN visa offers several advantages for Canadian and Mexican professionals:

• Streamlined application process, especially for Canadians
• No annual cap on the number of TN visas issued
• No prevailing wage requirement
• Initial period of stay up to three years
• Unlimited extensions possible (in increments of up to three years)
• Spouses and children under 21 may accompany as TD dependents
• Lower costs compared to other work visa categories

Limitations of the TN Visa

It's important to be aware of the limitations of TN status:

• Limited to specific professions listed in the USMCA
• Must maintain non-immigrant intent (unlike H-1B, which allows dual intent)
• TD dependents cannot work in the United States
• Self-employment is generally not permitted
• Changing employers requires a new TN application

Why Choose JZ Law Group for Your TN Visa Case

Our firm has extensive experience helping Canadian and Mexican professionals secure TN status. We understand the specific requirements for each professional category and can help you navigate the application process efficiently. Our attorneys stay current with changing immigration policies and procedures to provide effective legal strategies, even for complex cases.

We work closely with you and your U.S. employer to develop a strong application that clearly demonstrates your qualifications and eligibility for TN status.