Does your job qualify for TN status?
TN classification allows eligible Canadian and Mexican citizens to work temporarily in specified professions under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA, replacing NAFTA). Permanent residence in Canada or Mexico is not enough: the applicant must hold qualifying citizenship.
The job must fit a listed profession, and the applicant must meet that profession’s education or alternative credential requirements. Engineers, accountants, nurses, and teachers are examples. Not every professional job qualifies. A degree and a job title alone do not establish eligibility.
We compare the actual duties with the governing category before preparing the application. This is particularly important for positions involving management consulting, computer systems analysis, or a mixture of technical and managerial work.
Canadian and Mexican applicants use different routes
Canadian citizens generally do not need a TN visa stamp and may request TN admission at an appropriate port of entry or CBP preclearance location. A qualifying employer may instead seek USCIS petition approval before admission. Mexican citizens generally apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before requesting entry.
For a person already in the United States, a USCIS petition may be appropriate for a change of status, extension, or employer change. The right route depends on current status, travel plans, timing, and any prior immigration issues. A visa or petition approval does not replace the admission decision at the border.
Build the application around the position
An employer letter should explain the professional activity, duties, intended employment period, compensation, and required qualifications. Supporting documents include:
- Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship and current immigration documents.
- A detailed offer letter and information about the employer and work arrangement.
- Degrees, transcripts, credential evaluations, and any required licenses.
- Experience evidence where the particular TN profession permits it.
TN is not a self-employment visa category. Employer ownership, contracting arrangements, and off-site work must be considered for regulatory compliance.
Extensions, employer changes, and family members
TN admission may be granted for up to three years. Extensions are possible while the requirements continue to be met, but TN remains a temporary non-immigrant classification. Any future green card strategy should be coordinated with travel and renewal plans.
TN employment is tied to the authorized employer and activity. Merely accepting a new job offer or filing paperwork does not necessarily authorize work for a different employer. This needs to be considered when evaluating a start date.
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may qualify for TD dependent status. TD status does not authorize employment, even for spouses of TN visa holders, although dependents may attend school in the United States.
Practical guidance for the professional and the employer
Moro Legal assists with category selection, employer support letters, credential review, consular or border preparation, and appropriate USCIS filings. We also review prior refusals and requests for evidence.
Prior to a consultation, gather the proposed job description, résumé, educational records, and current immigration documents (visa, I-94, passport biographical page). We can identify issues and explain whether TN or another work visa deserves consideration.
Official sources
- Department of State: TN visas and application routes
- USCIS: TN eligibility requirements
- USCIS: documentation and evidence
- USCIS: TN extensions and changes of status
Information reviewed October 27, 2026. This page provides general information, not individual legal advice. Requirements and procedures may change. Results depend on the facts and applicable law.