TN Visa Program

The United States provides several visa options for foreigners seeking entry into the United States for work. The TN (Trade National) non-immigrant visa program benefits both the visa holder and the employer. Mexican and Canadian professionals granted a TN visa could enter the country to work.

What is a TN Visa?

A TN visa is a non-immigrant visa which means it will not lead to citizenship or permanent residency.
The TN visa program lets Mexican or Canadian citizens temporarily enter the United States to work in professional business positions.

A full listing of the qualified professions can be found on the Department of Labor website.

Professionals who commonly use TN visas include (but are not limited to):
  • Engineers
  • Lawyers
  • Horticulturists
  • Dairy scientists
  • Animal caretakers
  • Accountants
  • Poultry scientists
  • Zoologist
  • Veterinarians
  • Scientists
  • Landscape architects
  • Dentist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Physicians
  • Plant breeders
  • Soil scientists
  • Registered nurse
  • Teacher
  • Professors

The above are referred to as NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) professionals.
The TN visa grants the applicant three years in the US, but extensions are available. 

At AW Labor Solutions we provide you with a legal workforce for all of your business needs.

We want to help your business grow because your success is also our success.

Hiring Skilled Professionals with a TN Visa

Employers who wish to hire a TN applicant must show that they require a NAFTA professional to fill the position. The TN visa applicant must have arranged with the U.S. employer to obtain the position (self-employment is not allowed by the TN applicant).

We know that you might need to hire a skilled professional to fill a key position in your business. We are here to help you find the perfect TN professional candidate.

Spouse and Children of a TN Visa Holder

Due to the specialized nature of the jobs, all TN visa holders can bring their spouse and any unmarried minor children with them to the United States. Immediate family members do not need any special visa if they are Canadian citizens. They must only meet the U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements to gain admittance at a port of entry.
Mexican family members are required to apply for a TD nonimmigrant visa and show that their spouse or parent’s TN visa status is valid.

TN Application Process

The TN visa application process varies depending on if the applicant is from Mexico or Canada. Canadians can travel into
the United States without a visa to apply for a TN visa at that time with the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol at some ports of entry.
Canadians must show Proof of Canadian citizenship and present a letter from prospective employer stating the following:
  • Work that will be performed
  • Purpose of employment
  • Length of intended stay
  • Qualifications
All credentials are submitted, and an application fee paid.
A U.S. prospective employer can also apply for the visa for the Canadian citizen that they intend on hiring using Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker. They can submit the form to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Mexican TN Visa Applicants

The process for Mexican citizens includes:
  • Apply using Form DS-160
  •  Upload a photo with the application
  •  Print the confirmation page upon submitting the DS-160 application.
  •  Schedule an interview at an embassy or consulate.
  •  Pay the non-refundable application fee.
Before interviewing, Mexican TN applicants will need to gather the following documentation:
  • A valid passport with six months remaining beyond the date of the intended stay in the U.S.
  •  Form DS160
  •  Applicant fee
  • A Photo
  •  An employment contract or letter of employment from a U.S. company that explains the business and what function the applicant will serve upon employment. They must outline the applicant’s qualifications and credentials for the position.
  •  Documentation that shows work experience and education requirements.
  • Upon approval, the Mexican TN visa applicants can apply for admission into the United States at CBP designated ports of entry or some preflight inspection sites.
TN visa

Extending the TN Visa Applicant’s Stay

If a TN visa applicant wants to extend their stay, they will need to submit Form I-129. TN visa holders can also leave before the TN visa expiration date. They can then apply for an extension in much the same way they made their initial visa application.

As a recruiter, we know that the TN visa process can be confusing for applicants and employers. As a workforce recruiting company, we are committed to matching businesses with employees that meet their requirements.

If you are seeking a professional to fill a position in your business, then we are happy to assist with the TN visa a pplication process for Canadian or Mexican applicants and US businesses. Contact us to learn more.

At AW Labor Solutions we provide you with a legal workforce for all of your business needs.

We want to help your business grow because your success is also our success.