TN: NAFTA PROFESSIONAL

This role qualifies for the TN non-immigrant status, a temporary work permit available to Canadian and Mexican citizens working in the U.S. in one of the professional occupations listed under NAFTA Appendix 1603.D.1. Eligible occupations include Engineer, Management Consultant, Accountant, Computer Systems Analyst, and College/University Teacher, each with specific educational requirements—typically a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. The TN can be approved for part-time or full-time employment.

General Requirements

• Canadian or Mexican citizenship
• Job offer in the U.S. or work assignments contracted through a Canadian or Mexican employer
• Degrees, transcripts, and/or experience letters

Common Occupations

• Engineer
• Management Consultant
• Accountant
• Computer Systems Analyst
• College/University Teacher

Filing Process

• Canadian citizens: May apply for a TN through a USCIS Service Center or directly at a U.S. port of entry (e.g., Peace Bridge in Buffalo, NY), with same-day decisions available for port-of-entry applications.
• Mexican citizens: Must apply for the TN at a U.S. Consulate and obtain a TN Visa Stamp to enter the U.S.

Validity

• Canadian citizens: May obtain a TN for up to 3 years at a time.
• Mexican citizens: May obtain a TN for up to 2 years at a time.
• No limits on the number of TN extensions an individual may obtain.