TN Visa Lawyer for Canadian and Mexican Professionals

TN Visa

The TN visa, created under USMCA (formerly NAFTA), allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the United States in designated professional occupations. Chary Law represents TN professionals across engineering, sciences, healthcare, business, and education, and helps them secure status through both consular processing and U.S. ports of entry.

Overview of the TN Visa

The TN visa offers significant advantages: no annual cap, no lottery, fast processing, and unlimited renewals in three year increments. The trade off is that TN status is granted in single intent: the worker must show non immigrant intent and a temporary stay, which complicates green card planning.

Eligible TN occupations are listed in the USMCA agreement and include accountants, engineers, computer systems analysts, scientific technicians, medical professionals, scientists, teachers, lawyers, and many others. Each occupation has specific educational or licensure requirements.

Who Qualifies for a TN Visa

Citizenship: you must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (not merely a permanent resident).
Listed profession: the role must fall within the USMCA professional list.
Qualifications: you must hold the specific degree, license, or credential required for that profession.
U.S. employer or contract: the position must be in the United States and offered by a U.S. entity or client.
Temporary intent: the stay must be temporary, although it may be renewed indefinitely.

How the TN Process Works

Canadian citizens may apply for TN admission directly at a U.S. port of entry or pre flight inspection with a job offer letter, credentials, and supporting documentation. Mexican citizens must obtain a TN visa at a U.S. consulate before traveling.

TN status may also be obtained or extended through Form I-129 filed with USCIS. Premium processing is available for I-129 filings. Renewals follow the same format and require updated employment evidence.

TN Spouse and Family Options (TD Dependent Visa)

- No work authorization: TD spouses cannot work in the United States and must obtain their own work visa for employment.
- Full time study: TD spouses and children may attend school full or part time at any educational level.
- Any nationality: TD dependents do not need to be Canadian or Mexican citizens.
- Same period: TD admission mirrors the principal’s TN period and follows extensions.
- Path forward: spouses seeking work authorization often pursue their own H-1B, O-1, or other work visa.
  Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of TN visa holders qualify for TD dependent status, regardless of the spouse’s nationality. The TD spouse and children may live in the United States during the principal’s TN employment.

Schedule a Consultation With Chary Law

Chary Law structures TN strategies that work for the long term, including transitions to dual intent visas. Schedule a consultation to plan your path.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. Results in prior cases do not guarantee future outcomes. Please consult with a qualified immigration attorney regarding your individual circumstances.