TN USMCA TN USMCA Professionals

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	TN USMCA Professionals
Purpose	Temporary professional U.S. employment
Eligible citizens	Canada or Mexico
Initial stay	Up to 3 years
Cost	Applicable fees; amount not stated
Work rights	Prearranged professional employment
Study	Not stated for TN holders
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Travel facility	Apply for admission through CBP
Citizenship	Not stated in the source
Family sponsorship	TD for spouse, children
Family work rights	TD holders cannot work
Visa record	Not stated in the source

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Purpose

The TN nonimmigrant classification allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens temporary entry to the United States for professional-level business activities under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Eligibility

You may qualify if you:

• Are a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
• Work in a profession included in the USMCA;
• Have a U.S. position requiring a USMCA professional;
• Will work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for a U.S. employer or entity; and
• Have the qualifications required for that profession.

Stay and Extensions

Initial stay

TN status may be granted for up to 3 years.

Extension or readmission

To remain beyond the authorized stay:

• Your employer may file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, while you are in the United States; or
• You may depart before your status expires and seek readmission through the same TN admission procedures used initially.

Applying as a Canadian Citizen

Canadian citizens residing outside the United States generally do not need to apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate.

Apply for TN admission with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at certain designated ports of entry or designated pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection stations.

Documents for direct CBP application

Provide:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship;
• A prospective employer letter describing:
  • Professional capacity;
  • Employment purpose;
  • Intended length of stay; and
  • Educational qualifications;
• Credential evaluation, if applicable; and
• Applicable fees.

If CBP finds you eligible, you will be admitted in TN status.

Employer-filed option

A prospective U.S. employer may file Form I-129 with USCIS for a Canadian citizen outside the United States. Premium Processing Service is available.

After approval, present to CBP:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship; and
• The USCIS Form I-129 approval notice.

You should also carry a copy of the Form I-129 and its supporting documents, and be prepared to pay applicable inspection fees.

Applying as a Mexican Citizen

Mexican citizens residing outside the United States must obtain a TN visa before seeking entry.

1. Apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico.
2. After visa approval, apply for admission through CBP at a designated port of entry or pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station.

CBP determines eligibility for admission. See the Department of State’s TN visa information.

Family Members: TD Status

A TN holder’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 may qualify for TD nonimmigrant status as accompanying or following-to-join family members.

TD rights and limits

• TD holders may study in the United States.
• TD holders may not work in the United States.
• TD status cannot exceed the principal TN holder’s authorized period.

Extending TD status

If the TN holder timely applies for an extension in the United States, eligible TD family members may apply to extend status using Form I-539, without leaving the United States.

A Mexican TD holder whose TD visa has expired after an extension must obtain a new TD visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before returning from travel abroad in TD status.