TN Worker

NAFTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement. It creates special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada and Mexico. These professionals can enter the U.S. simply by providing documentation that they are engaged in one of the designated professions, and that they possess the requisite educational credentials to qualify in the listed profession. The proposed employment must be temporary.

The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional TN Visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals to work in the United States. Permanent residents, including Canadian permanent residents, are not able to apply to work as a NAFTA professional. Professionals of Canada or Mexico may work in the U.S. under the following conditions:

Applicant is a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
Profession is on the NAFTA list;
Position in the U.S. requires a NAFTA professional;
Mexican or Canadian applicant is to work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for a U.S. employer
Professional Canadian or Mexican citizen has the qualifications of the profession.

Attention! Admission to the U.S. as a TN nonimmigrant from Canada or Mexico does not require a petition.

A Canadian Professional must present documentation to an immigration officer at a U.S. class A port-of-entry, a U.S. airport handling international traffic, or a U.S. pre-clearance or pre-flight inspection station. More >

Mexican citizens may apply at consular sections around the world for a NAFTA professional (TN) visa. As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for most visa applicants. More >

News Update: The Federal Register announced on May 9, 2008 the proposed rule to increase the maximum allowable period of admission for TN nonimmigrants from one to three years, and allow TN nonimmigrants to be granted an extension of stay in increments of up to three years instead of the current maximum of one year. More >

Employment Letter

The hiring department must provide to the professional a Letter of Employment in the United States. The letter must indicate that the position requires the employment of a person in a professional capacity consistent with a NAFTA TN Professiona l. The employment letter or contract should state the following:

Activity in which the applicant shall be engaged;
Purpose of entry;
Anticipated length of stay;
Educational qualifications or appropriate credentials demonstrating professional status;
Evidence of compliance with federal regulations, and/or state laws; and
Arrangements for pay.

Although not required, proof of licensure to practice a given profession in the United States may be offered along with a job offer letter, or other documentation in support of a TN visa application.

The applicant must present evidence of professional employment to satisfy the Consular Officer or the Port-of-Entry Officer of their plans to be employed in prearranged business activities for a U.S. employer at a professional level. Part-time employment is permitted. Self-employment is not permitted.