TN Visa

The TN Visa is a powerful tool for U.S.-based businesses, from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) to large corporations, seeking to hire highly skilled Canadian and Mexican professionals.

The TN Visa offers a simplified alternative to traditional work visas like the H-1B, making it an ideal pathway for U.S. employers seeking to fill key roles quickly.

For Canadian nationals, the TN Visa offers one of the fastest routes to enter the U.S. workforce and expand their career horizons.

Determining Your Eligibility

The Application Process

Determining Your Eligibility

To qualify for a TN Visa, the occupation must be listed under CUSMA’s approved professions that are deemed eligible for this visa — this includes fields like engineering, accounting, healthcare, and IT. Your job offer must be formal, detailing the nature of your work and the duration of employment.

Each profession has precise requirements. For example, an engineer must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, while a management consultant could qualify based on experience or educational credentials.

In another example, the role of software developer is not eligible under CUSMA, but a systems analyst is. To qualify, your duties must focus on designing systems or analyzing user needs rather than coding or development.

For U.S. employers, this means preparing a detailed and precise job offer letter. Vague job titles like “Project Manager” won’t suffice unless tied directly to a qualifying role, such as Management Consultant.

The Application Process

The TN Visa application process for Canadian citizens is relatively straightforward compared to other U.S. work visas. You will need:

A detailed job offer letter confirming the CUSMA-approved role, the duties you’ll perform, and your qualifications.
Proof of your educational background, such as degrees or diplomas. If your credentials are foreign, they must be evaluated to confirm equivalency to U.S. standards.
Evidence of prior work experience, where applicable, such as reference letters from former employers.

Most Canadian applicants apply directly at a U.S. port of entry or pre-clearance location. You should be prepared to present your documentation in a clear, concise manner and confidently answer questions about your role and qualifications. The decision is made on the spot, and if approved, you’ll be able to work in the U.S. immediately.

It’s worth noting that TN Visas are granted for up to three years, with the option to renew indefinitely. However, since the visa is non-immigrant, you must demonstrate that your intent is temporary and not to remain in the U.S. permanently.

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