TN Work Visa
What is a TN visa?
The TN visa (Treaty National) work visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, who are professionals in certain fields, to enter the United States to work for a U.S. employer for a specific period of time. If you are a citizen of Canada or Mexico and you are looking to work in the U.S. in a qualifying profession, a TN visa may be a good option for you.
Why Canadian Citizens Choose TN Visas
Canadian citizens have a significant advantage when seeking work in the United States. The TN visa, available under the US-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA), offers:
- Fast processing: Same-day approval at port of entry
- Low cost: USD $56 application fee
- No annual cap or lottery: Apply anytime with a qualifying job offer
- Flexible work arrangements: Multiple employment options available As of 2025, new H-1B visa petitions require a USD $100,000 processing fee, making the TN visa an increasingly attractive option for Canadian professionals.
How do I qualify for a TN visa?
To qualify for a TN visa, you must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico and have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a profession that is on the TN visa eligible professions list.
More specifically, to qualify for a TN visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
- You must be coming to the U.S. to work in a qualifying profession, which includes a wide range of fields such as engineering, law, medicine, and teaching, among others.
- You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a qualifying profession.
- You must have the required education and/or work experience for the position.
- The position must require a professional in the field, and the job duties must be consistent with the profession.
What do I need to apply for a TN visa?
To begin the process of obtaining a TN visa, you must first have a job offer from a U.S. employer in an eligible occupation. Some examples of professions that are on the TN visa eligible professions list include:
- Accountant
- Architect
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Economist
- Engineer
- Management Consultant
- Scientist
Once you have a job offer, your U.S. employer will need to provide a letter of support that outlines the terms of your employment and confirms that your position is on the TN visa eligible occupations list. This letter will be submitted to the U.S. consulate along with your TN visa application.
TN Visa Eligible Professions
The TN visa is available for job offers in over 60 general Professional and Technical Occupations listed in the US-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA), covering about 100 different occupations and sub-occupation positions, including STEM fields, Business Management Consulting, Medical and Allied Health, Education, and other Professional or Technical services occupations.
Educational Requirements
Most occupations require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. However, a few occupations require only a 2-year diploma with 3 years of related work experience, such as:
- Graphic Designer
- Engineering Technician
- Medical Laboratory Technician
Flexible Employment Arrangements
TN visa holders can work in various employment structures:
- Direct employee of an American enterprise
- Independent contractor or consultant
- Employee of a Canadian, Mexican, or American firm with a contract to deliver services to a US business.
The TN classification allows for considerable flexibility with the types of payment arrangements and contracts allowed. It is possible to have two or more TN authorizations for multiple engagements with multiple employers simultaneously.
What are the requirements for a TN visa?
In addition to having a job offer and a letter of support from your employer, there are several other requirements that you must meet in order to qualify for a TN visa. These include:
- Having the necessary educational qualifications or professional licenses for your occupation. For example, if you are applying for a TN visa as an accountant, you must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field and be licensed as a certified public accountant (CPA) in your home country.
- Being able to demonstrate that you will be working in the United States on a temporary basis. TN visas are nonimmigrant visas, which means that they are intended for temporary work assignments. You will need to provide evidence that you have a permanent residence in your home country and that you intend to return there after your work assignment in the United States is completed.
- Having all of the necessary documentation to support your TN visa application. This may include a copy of your job offer letter, your resume or CV, copies of your educational qualifications or professional licenses, and any other supporting documents that are required by the U.S. consulate where you will be applying for your TN visa.
TN Visa Cost
Application Fee
The TN visa application fee at a port of entry is USD $56 for Canadian citizens. If you choose to apply through US Citizenship and Immigration Services with premium processing, the cost is a few thousand dollars at most. No labor condition assessment is required, which saves additional time and administrative costs compared to H-1B visas.
Cost Comparison
As of 2025, new H-1B visa petitions require a USD $100,000 processing fee. The TN visa’s USD $56 application fee makes it a significantly more affordable option for Canadian professionals seeking US employment.
How do I apply for a TN visa?
If you meet these requirements, you can begin the process of applying for a TN visa. Here are the recommended steps for obtaining a TN visa:
- Gather the necessary documents and information, including proof of your citizenship, proof of your job offer and qualifications.
- Complete the appropriate visa application forms and pay the required fees.
- Schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country, if required.
- Attend the interview and provide the necessary documents and information to the consular officer, if applicable, during which you will need to explain why you are qualified for a TN visa.
If your TN visa application is approved, you will be issued a TN visa that will allow you to enter the United States and begin working for your U.S. employer in your eligible occupation.
TN Visa Application Process: Fast and Straightforward
For Canadian Citizens:
Canadian citizens can apply for a TN visa at specific ports of entry designated by US Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security. This provides on-the-spot processing, so you can apply and receive a decision the same day.
Application fee at port of entry $56:
Canadian citizens may also apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate, or through inland US Citizenship and Immigration Services processing with premium processing (which costs a few thousand dollars at most).
No visa is required.
If you are Canadian, you seek admission in nonimmigrant status in the TN classification and travel to the US on your Canadian passport.
Processing Time
The TN visa application process is fast. At a port of entry, you can receive on-the-spot processing and begin working immediately upon approval.
Can Canadian citizens apply for a TN visa at a port-of-entry?
Citizens of Canada may apply for a TN visa at specific ports-of-entry designated by US Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security. You may need to pre-arrange an interview at one of these ports-of-entry before applying.
Canadian citizens may also apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Working with a TN Visa Lawyer
When to Consider a TN Visa Immigration Lawyer
While many Canadian citizens successfully apply for TN visas on their own, working with a TN visa lawyer can be valuable in certain situations:
Your educational background is non-traditional
If your degree is not directly related to your job offer, or you are using the 2-year diploma plus 3 years of experience pathway, a TN visa immigration lawyer can help position your qualifications properly.
Your job title does not clearly match a USMCA category
If your position has a non-standard title or responsibilities that span multiple categories, an immigration lawyer can help frame your role to fit within eligible occupations.
You have had previous visa denials or issues
Any prior US visa denial requires careful handling in future applications. A TN visa lawyer can help address these issues properly.
Your employer is unfamiliar with TN visas
If your US employer has never hired a TN worker before, a lawyer can guide both you and the employer through the documentation requirements.
You want to maximize your chances of approval
A TN visa denial at the port of entry goes on your record. Working with a TN visa expert can help ensure your application is complete and properly prepared before you arrive at the border.
TN Visa Lawyer Toronto
Mandelbaum Immigration Lawyers is based in Toronto and specializes in TN visa applications for Canadian professionals. Our office is conveniently located near Yonge & Sheppard, easily accessible by TTC. As a Toronto immigration lawyer practicing both Canadian and US immigration law, we understand:
- How Canadian educational credentials translate to USMCA requirements
- Which Canadian universities and programs are recognized by US border officers
- Common issues that Canadian applicants face at ports of entry
- The Toronto and Ontario job market for tech and professional workers
What a TN Visa Expert Provides
When you work with our TN visa lawyers, we:
- Assess your eligibility and identify any potential issues with your application
- Review your educational credentials and work experience to confirm they meet USMCA requirements
- Prepare your job offer letter and ensure it includes all required elements
- Organize your documentation to present a complete application package
- Coach you for your port-of-entry interview so you understand what to expect and how to respond to questions
- Develop backup plans if there are any concerns about your qualifications
Cost of Working with a TN Visa Lawyer
The cost of a TN visa lawyer consultation and document review is typically a few thousand dollars – minimal compared to the cost of a denial, the stress of uncertainty, or missing your job start date. Many clients find that professional preparation provides peace of mind and confidence when applying at the port of entry.
How can a U.S. immigration attorney help me apply for a TN visa?
Mandelbaum Immigration Lawyers can conduct a TN visa assessment for you. We can guide you on whether your job offer qualifies, inform you what specific documents are needed for your case, prepare your application or employer petition, submit your application and prepare you for your visa interview.
TN Visa Frequently Asked Questions
long is a TN visa valid for?
The TN visa is initially valid for up to 3 years. It is renewable indefinitely as long as you maintain a qualifying job offer with a US employer. There is no limit on the number of times you can renew your TN status.
Can I work for multiple employers on a TN visa?
Yes. You can have two or more TN authorizations for multiple employers simultaneously. This flexibility is one of the advantages of the TN visa classification.
What happens if I change jobs while on TN status?
You can easily apply for a new TN visa with a new employer. There is no requirement for the new employer to obtain pre-approval – you simply need a new qualifying job offer and can apply for a new TN authorization at a port of entry.
What happens if I lose my job while on a TN visa?
If you lose your job, you can apply for a new TN visa at any time with a new qualifying job offer. While you must not stay in the United States for more than 30 days after your job loss, there is no requirement that your new employer obtain any pre-approval.
Do Canadian citizens need a visa stamp for TN status?
No. Canadian citizens do not need a TN “visa” stamp. You seek admission in TN nonimmigrant status using your Canadian passport. You will receive a TN status admission stamp at the port of entry, but you do not need to obtain a visa at a US consulate.
How does a TN visa compare to an H-1B visa?
The TN visa offers Canadian citizens several advantages over the H-1B:
– Cost: $56 vs $100,000 for new H-1B petitions
– Speed: Same-day processing at port of entry vs 6-12+ months
– No lottery: Apply anytime without competing in an annual lottery
– Flexibility: Easier to change employers and work arrangements.
Do I need a TN visa lawyer to apply?
Many Canadian citizens successfully apply for TN visas on their own. However, a TN visa lawyer can be valuable if:
– Your educational background is non-traditional
– Your job title doesn’t clearly match a USMCA category
– You have had previous visa denials
– Your employer is unfamiliar with TN visas
– You want to maximize your chances of approval and avoid denials.
A TN visa immigration lawyer can review your documents, prepare your application, and coach you for your port-of-entry interview.
How can I schedule a consultation appointment?
Mandelbaum Immigration Lawyers can conduct a TN visa assessment for you. As a Toronto-based immigration law firm specializing in TN visas, we can:
Guide you on whether your job offer qualifies under USMCA professional categories
Review your educational credentials and work experience
Prepare your job offer letter and application documentation
Coach you for your port-of-entry interview
Help you understand your options if you're also considering permanent residency pathways
Contact us to arrange a consultation with a TN visa lawyer:
📧 Email: info@dmandelbaum.com
📞 Phone: (416) 646-3523
📋 Schedule a consultation
Our Toronto office is conveniently located near Yonge & Sheppard, easily accessible by TTC.