FAQ: What Is a TN Nonimmigrant Visa?

A TN visa is a special classification for Canadian and Mexican professionals. The TN nonimmigrant visa program offers wide-ranging benefits for the visa holder and U.S. employers. Mexican and Canadian professionals in one of the 60 qualifying NAFTA professions who want to come to the United States temporarily for work may find a TN nonimmigrant visa the best choice compared to an H-1B visa. Often called a TN NAFTA professional visa, applicants must meet the current NAFTA requirements.

What Is A TN NAFTA Professional Visa?

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created special economic and trade relationships between the United States, Canada and Mexico. The TN nonimmigrant visa classification permits qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in professional business activities.

The 60 professions that qualify for A TN nonimmigrant visa include:

• Medical/healthcare professional
• Computer systems analyst
• Accountant
• Engineer
• Scientist
• Lawyer
• Architect
• Economist

Someone may be eligible for a TN visa if:

• They are a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
• Their profession qualifies under the NAFTA regulations;
• The position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional;
• They have a prearranged full-time or part-time job with a U.S. employer (but not self-employment – see documentation required below); and
• They have the qualifications to practice in the profession in question.

TN visa holders are admitted for 3 years. After this time, TN visa holders can apply for unlimited renewals that are each granted in 3-year increments.

What Is NAFTA?

Still commonly called a TN NAFTA visa, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on July 1, 2020. NAFTA came into effect on January 1, 1994 to encourage trade between the U.S., Mexico and Canada and superseded the 1988 Canada–United States Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Canada.

Read More: Can I Apply For A TN Visa In The United States?

Cook and DuPage County Business Immigration Attorneys

Godoy Law Firm’s business immigration attorneys can help foreign business professionals move to Illinois. Contact Godoy Law Office today at 630-912-0322 to answer your questions about immigration, help you file an immigration application and guide you through every step of the immigration process.