Under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) (formerly NAFTA) citizens of Canada or Mexico may seek temporary entry to the U.S. as business people to engage in business activities at a professional level, in specific occupations.  

To learn more about TN status, visit

•  Visas for Canadian and Mexican NAFTA Professional Workers
•  TN Eligibility 
•  Professions Covered by NAFTA-USMCA

Common Uses

• Professors
• Research scientists
• Engineers
• Pharmacists

Conditions

• 3-year limit, with unlimited extensions
• TN only available to Canadian and Mexican citizens
  • Does not apply to Canadian landed immigrants
• TD dependents cannot work; however, they may engage in full or part-time study
• Non-Canadian TD dependents must apply for entry visas at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad

Process

• Hiring department contacts Faculty Immigration Services
• After the position and candidate have been determined to be eligible for TN status:
  • Canadian citizens apply for TN status at a U.S. Port of Entry
  • Mexican citizens must apply for a visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad

General Information on TN Status

• Applicant may apply for TN entry up to 10 days before employment effective date
• Port of Entry fee may be applicable
• Legal entry established by issuance of I-94 number, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Academic credentials (degrees, diplomas, certificates) must have the following:
  • an official English translation – if issued in a foreign language
  • must be accompanied by an official credentials evaluation to show US equivalency 

Forms