TN Visa Attorney
Hire Canadian and Mexican professionals quickly and efficiently under the USMCA. We help employers navigate the application process for both nationalities — from documentation through entry.
What Is the TN Visa?
What this means for you
Hire Canadian and Mexican professionals — often in days, not months. The TN has no cap, no lottery, lower fees than the H-1B, and renews indefinitely under the USMCA.
The TN visa lets Canadian and Mexican citizens work in the U.S. in designated professional occupations under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (formerly NAFTA).
It is fast and flexible: Canadians can often be approved the same day at a port of entry, there is no annual cap, and TN status can be renewed indefinitely in three-year increments.
The Atlas advantage
Work directly with your attorney
Same-day response guarantee
Flat fees, no surprises
How to Apply for TN Status
The application path differs by nationality, but both lead to the same TN status:
Canadians — Port of Entry
No visa stamp required.
- Apply directly at a U.S. port of entry or preclearance location.
- Present documents to a CBP officer.
- Same-day processing and immediate entry.
Mexicans — Consular Processing
Visa stamp required.
- Employer provides supporting documentation.
- Schedule and attend a U.S. embassy interview.
- Receive the TN visa stamp before entry.
Not sure your role qualifies under the USMCA profession list? We'll confirm eligibility and prepare the application.
TN Visa Requirements
Every TN case must satisfy four core requirements — here is what each demands and how we help you meet it:
USMCA Profession
The position must qualify under one of the designated TN professions listed in the USMCA.
How we help: We confirm the role maps to a listed profession and frame the duties to fit it precisely.
Canadian or Mexican Citizenship
The beneficiary must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico — permanent residents of those countries do not qualify.
How we help: We verify citizenship and choose the correct application path (port of entry vs. consular).
Qualifying Credentials
Most professions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field; some accept alternative credentials.
How we help: We document degrees, licenses, and experience, arranging credential evaluations where needed.
Prearranged Employment
You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer — self-employment is not permitted under TN status.
How we help: We draft a TN support letter that clearly establishes the role, qualifications, and temporary nature.
The TN Visa Process Step by Step
We guide employers through each step, ensuring proper documentation and smooth processing:
- 1
Confirm Eligibility
We verify the position qualifies under the USMCA and assess the beneficiary's credentials.
- 2
Prepare Documentation
We draft the TN support letter and compile required evidence of qualifications.
- 3
Submit the Application
Canadians apply at a port of entry; Mexicans attend a scheduled embassy appointment.
- 4
Approval & Entry
On approval, the professional enters in TN status and can begin employment.
Why Trust Atlas Immigration Law with Your TN
TN cases look simple but turn on details — a profession that maps cleanly to the USMCA list and a support letter that establishes qualifications without raising intent questions. That is where we focus. Our team removes the guesswork:
Work directly with your attorney
No call centers, no handoffs — the lawyer building your case is the one you talk to.
Flat fees, known up front
You agree on the full cost before we start. No hourly billing, no surprises.
Same-day response
Questions during your case get a reply the same business day.
From a same-day port-of-entry application to USCIS extensions and tricky borderline professions, we prepare the documentation that gets your professional to work fast and keeps them there.
USMCA Professional Categories
TN status is limited to specific professions listed in the USMCA. Common qualifying categories include:
Engineering
Engineer, Engineering Technologist.
Computer & IT
Computer Systems Analyst, Scientific Technician, Technical Publications Writer.
Sciences
Mathematician, Physicist, Chemist, Biologist, Geologist, Meteorologist.
Healthcare
Registered Nurse, Pharmacist, Medical Technologist, Dentist, Nutritionist.
Business
Accountant, Management Consultant, Economist, Research Assistant.
Other
Architect, Lawyer (consultant), Librarian, Graphic Designer, Social Worker, Veterinarian.
This is a partial list — contact us to confirm whether a specific role qualifies.
Renewals & Family (TD Status)
Unlimited Renewals
Renew indefinitely in three-year increments while you hold a qualifying position.
Renewal Methods
File Form I-129 with USCIS, or apply at a port of entry (Canadians) or embassy (Mexicans).
Start Early
Begin the renewal 90–120 days before your current status expires.
TD Dependents
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 qualify for TD status — they may study but not work.
Common Questions
TN Visa FAQs
The TN visa (Trade NAFTA, now under USMCA) allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the U.S. in designated professional occupations. You must have the required credentials (typically a bachelor's degree) and a job offer from a U.S. employer in an eligible profession.
Ready to hire Canadian or Mexican talent?
Let's streamline the process of bringing qualified professionals to your U.S. team. It's completely free.