TN Status: Professionals from Canada and Mexico
TN status provides work authorization for citizens of Canada and Mexico in certain professional occupations listed under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) agreement.
TN status is for temporary employment and may be granted for up to 3 years at a time,
with the option to extend.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for TN status, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Position Requirements
Your position must:
- Be a professional role (not a student or tenure-track position)
- Fall within a profession listed under the USMCA agreement
- Require the specific degree or credentials listed for that profession (typically a
bachelor’s degree)
Employer Requirements
Your department must:
- Offer you a temporary position in an eligible TN profession
- Agree to employ you only in accordance with TN regulations
Employee Requirements
You must:
- Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
- (Permanent residents of Canada are not eligible)
- Hold the required degree or credentials for the position
- Work only in the approved professional field
Length of Stay
- TN status may be granted for up to 3 years at a time
- Extensions are allowed in additional 3-year increments
- There is no fixed maximum stay, but TN status must remain temporary
Employment Restrictions
- You may work only for the employer listed in your TN application or petition
- You may perform only the duties described in your application
If you plan to:
- Change employers, or
- Add additional employment
A new TN application or petition is required before beginning work.
Applying for TN Status
The application process depends on your citizenship:
Canadian Citizens
- May apply for TN status directly at a U.S. port of entry or pre-clearance location
- No visa stamp is required
Mexican Citizens
- Must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before entering the U.S.
Extensions
To continue your employment:
- Your department must submit a request through accessVIS no later than 3 months prior to your current TN end date.