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USMCA work authorization
TN Visa
The TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican professionals in qualifying occupations to work in the United States under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). TN status is one of the fastest and most cost-effective work authorization options available — no lottery, no labor certification, and no employer sponsorship requirement beyond a qualifying job offer.
Parandian Law has extensive experience preparing TN applications for Canadian and Mexican professionals across a wide range of qualifying occupations — including engineers, accountants, scientists, lawyers, and computer systems analysts. We have advised clients on CBP border interview preparation, employer documentation, and complex TN eligibility questions.
TN status is available at the border for Canadian nationals and through consular processing for Mexican nationals. We prepare the full documentation package and provide detailed interview preparation so our clients arrive ready.
Canadian TN · Mexican TN · Border Application · Consular Processing · TN Extension · TN Transfer · USMCA · Multiple Entries
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What is the TN visa
TN visa — the essentials
The TN visa is a nonimmigrant work status created under the original NAFTA agreement and continued under USMCA. It allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the United States in one of approximately 60 qualifying professional occupations — provided they have a qualifying job offer from a U.S. employer and meet the educational and credential requirements for the occupation.
TN status does not require a petition filed with USCIS in most cases. Canadian nationals apply directly at a U.S. port of entry — the employer does not file anything in advance. Mexican nationals must apply at a U.S. consulate. TN status is granted in three-year increments and can be renewed indefinitely — there is no cap on the number of renewals.
Key FACTS
Eligible nationals:
Canada and Mexico
Initial period:
3 years
Renewals:
Unlimited
Lottery required:
No
PERM required:
No
Dual intent:
No
Spouse work auth:
TD status — no work auth
Canadian process:
Port of entry (no petition)
Annual cap:
Mexican process
What we handle
TN visa services
TN preparation and strategy for Canadian and Mexican professionals and their U.S. employers.
TN application preparation
Full documentation package for Canadian border applications and Mexican consular applications — employer support letter, credential evaluation coordination, and occupation eligibility analysis.
Border interview preparation
Detailed preparation for Canadian nationals applying at U.S. ports of entry — including mock interview, anticipated CBP questions, document checklist, and guidance on presenting the application confidently.
TN extensions
Preparation of TN extension packages for both Canadian and Mexican nationals — whether through border re-entry, consular renewal, or USCIS petition for employer flexibility.
TN eligibility analysis
Assessment of whether a specific position and candidate qualify for TN status — including occupation matching, degree equivalency analysis, and alternative visa pathway recommendations where TN is not viable.
How it works
Our TN process
01
Eligibility assessment
We review the job offer, the candidate’s credentials, and the proposed occupation against the USMCA TN occupation list — and advise on whether TN is viable and which occupation category applies.
02
Documentation preparation
We draft the employer support letter, coordinate credential evaluation if needed, and prepare the full supporting document package — tailored to CBP or consular requirements.
03
Interview preparation
For Canadian border applicants we conduct detailed interview preparation — walking through anticipated CBP questions, reviewing the document package, and advising on how to present the application clearly and confidently.
04
Application & follow-up
We advise on the application process and remain available to respond to any CBP or consular questions. For approved TNs we track the expiration and advise on renewal timing well in advance.
Common questions
TN visa FAQ
Which occupations qualify for TN status?
The USMCA includes approximately 60 qualifying occupations across engineering, science, accounting, law, medicine, and technology. Common qualifying categories include engineer, accountant, scientist, computer systems analyst, lawyer, and management consultant. The occupation must match both the job duties and the candidate’s degree — a candidate with a biology degree applying as a computer systems analyst, for example, requires careful credential analysis. We assess TN eligibility for specific positions as part of our initial consultation.
How does a Canadian national apply for TN status?
Canadian nationals apply directly at a U.S. port of entry — an airport preclearance facility or land border crossing. The candidate presents their passport, employer support letter, credential documentation, and any other supporting materials to a CBP officer. There is no USCIS filing required in advance. The CBP officer reviews the package and if approved stamps the passport with TN status on the spot. The entire process typically takes 15–45 minutes at a land border crossing.
Can I renew my TN status indefinitely?
Yes — there is no limit on the number of TN renewals. However TN is a nonimmigrant status and does not confer dual intent. Pursuing permanent residence while on TN status creates a risk of TN denial at renewal — CBP may find the dual intent inconsistent with TN’s nonimmigrant classification. Professionals who wish to pursue a green card alongside TN should discuss strategy carefully with counsel before taking any steps toward permanent residence.
My TN application was denied at the border — what do I do?
A TN denial at the port of entry is not a permanent bar — you can reapply with a stronger or corrected documentation package. The most common grounds for TN denial are occupation mismatch, insufficient credential documentation, and employer support letter deficiencies. We review denial circumstances and prepare a revised package addressing the specific grounds cited by CBP. In some cases a different occupation category or a different port of entry may produce a better outcome.
Can my spouse work in the U.S. on TD status?
No — TD status (the dependent status for TN spouses and children) does not include work authorization. TD holders may live in the United States and attend school but may not work. This is one of the significant limitations of TN status compared to H-1B, where spouses may be eligible for H-4 EAD work authorization under certain conditions. Professionals whose spouses need to work should factor this into their visa category planning.
Questions about TN eligibility?
TN qualification depends on occupation, credentials, and documentation. Speak with an attorney before your application.
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