TN NAFTA Professional Lawyer: Expert Services Await
Crossing borders for professional work shouldn’t mean crossing into legal uncertainty. Whether you’re a Canadian or Mexican citizen with a job offer in the U.S., the TN visa status under NAFTA (now USMCA) offers a streamlined way to work legally, but only if everything is done right.
At The Law Office of Diaz & Nunez Elorza, we help professionals navigate immigration law pitfalls like improper job classifications, missing documents, and last-minute border denials. Our TN NAFTA professional lawyers ensure your application meets every legal requirement so you can begin your U.S. role with confidence, not confusion.
Call us or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and get the legal clarity you need to move forward.
What Is the TN NAFTA Professional Visa?
The TN NAFTA visa is a temporary U.S. work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals at a professional level in select fields, allowing them to work on a temporary basis and strengthen trade relationships. Created under NAFTA with a specific NAFTA list of professions and continued under USMCA, it streamlines cross-border employment for roles like engineers, teachers, and analysts.
- A Non-Immigrant Work Visa for Professionals – The TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the U.S. temporarily in approved professional business activities. It’s not a path to permanent residency, but it does offer renewals and a streamlined process for eligible professionals.
- Established under NAFTA, continued by USMCA – Originally introduced through NAFTA to support economic cooperation, the TN visa category remains active under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. It helps sustain skilled workforce mobility between the three countries.
- Designed to Meet Workforce Needs – The TN program targets specific job categories where U.S. employers need skilled professionals. It helps fill talent gaps in industries like healthcare, finance, and technology, legally and efficiently.
- Boosts Cross-Border Business and Innovation – By simplifying access to skilled talent, the TN visa strengthens trade ties, fosters innovation, and reduces hiring friction for U.S. companies. It benefits both employers and foreign professionals alike.
Key Benefits of the TN NAFTA Professional Visa
A TN visa is ideal for those seeking short-term work in the US. The application process is straightforward and time-efficient, with no annual cap like the H-1B. It is renewable every three years for an unlimited period. Both individuals and companies favor the TN visa due to lower application costs and the absence of employer sponsorship. Additionally, it allows for hassle-free travel in and out of the country while you work.
Streamlined application process compared to other work visas
The TN visa simplifies the application for skilled workers aiming for U.S. jobs, providing a faster alternative to the H-1B visa. Canadians can obtain it at entry points or via Form I-129, while Mexican nationals must apply with the DS-160 form at the consulate. At the Law Office of Diaz & Nunez Elorza, our TN NAFTA professional lawyer streamlines the process for your business needs.
No annual cap (unlike H-1B visas)
Unlike the H-1B visa, the TN visa has no yearly limit, enabling unlimited individuals from Canada and Mexico to seek employment in the U.S. This absence of quotas simplifies the visa process, offering qualified applicants less stress and more job opportunities as they pursue their professional goals in North America’s thriving job market.
Renewable indefinitely in three-year increments
If requirements are met, the TN visa can be renewed indefinitely in three-year increments, providing an advantage over other work visas. This benefits employers seeking long-term employment. Visa holders simply submit a renewal request to USCIS or visit designated ports of entry. At Diaz & Nunez Elorza, we streamline this process, ensuring your business avoids staffing challenges.
Relatively lower application costs
The TN visa application costs are lower than many other U.S. work visas, mainly because there is no annual cap, making it easier and more affordable for applicants. This results in fewer fees and a simpler application process, allowing individuals to invest their time and money in starting new jobs.
TN Visa Eligibility Requirements
The TN visa is designed for Canadian and Mexican citizens working in select professional roles. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements related to nationality, occupation, and temporary employment intent.
- Citizenship Requirement – Only citizens of Canada or Mexico are eligible for a TN visa. You must show valid proof of nationality and meet the minimum education requirements, such as a Bachelor’s degree, during the application process to confirm your eligibility under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) agreement.
- Pre-Arranged Employment – It is essential to have a solid job offer from a U.S.-based employer for an approved position and the necessary qualifications and appropriate credentials. The offer should clearly outline your duties, start date, and duration of employment to support your application.
- Qualifying Professions – Your position must fall under the list of approved TN professions, such as engineers, accountants, computer systems analysts, scientists, and educators. As a citizen of Canada, you can ensure that only specific skilled roles are eligible under this visa category, which is subject to the eligibility criteria.
- Education & Licensure – Most TN professions require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Depending on U.S. state laws and industry standards, some jobs may also require additional certifications or licensure.
- Temporary Intent – TN applicants must show they plan to work in the U.S. for a limited time. A letter from your employer confirming the job’s duration helps prove that you intend to return home once the assignment ends.
The TN Visa Application Process
Applying for a TN visa involves different steps for Canadian and Mexican citizens, though the core requirements—like proving your profession, qualifications, citizenship, and length of stay—are the same. Here’s how the process works for each group.
Canadian Citizens: Apply at the Border or via USCIS
Canadian citizens enjoy a more streamlined process because they are visa-exempt. There are two legal methods through which you can apply:
1. Apply at a U.S. Port of Entry (Most Common Method)
You can take your TN visa application package directly to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at a land border crossing or airport pre-clearance location. If approved by the CBP officer, you will need to provide proof of Canadian citizenship, and you’ll receive TN status and an I-94 record on the spot.
You’ll need to bring:
- A valid Canadian passport
- An employment provided by the employer in the U.S.
- Proof of your education (degrees, transcripts)
- Any required professional licenses
- Payment for the TN application fee
2. Apply via USCIS (Form I-129)
Alternatively, your U.S. employer can file Form I-129 on your behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is often used for in-country status changes or TN extensions.
For Mexican Citizens: Apply Through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Mexican citizens must first get a TN visa stamped in their passport at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico before traveling to the U.S.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Complete Form DS-160: Fill out the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
- Pay the Visa Fee and Schedule Appointments: Book two appointments—one at a Visa Application Center (VAC) for fingerprints and photo, and one for your consular interview.
- Attend Your Consular Interview: A U.S. consular officer will review your application, ask questions about your job, qualifications, and plans to return to Mexico.
- Get Your TN Visa Stamp: If approved, your TN visa will be placed in your passport so you can enter the U.S. in TN status.
Required documents include:
- Valid Mexican passport
- DS-160 confirmation page and appointment letter
- Offer letter from a U.S. employer
- Proof of education and credentials
- Any required licenses or certifications
Documents Required for All TN Applicants
Whether you’re from Canada or Mexico, you’ll need the following documents for your TN application:
- Employer Offer Letter: Must include your job title, detailed duties, salary, duration of employment, and explain how the role qualifies under a TN profession.
- Educational Proof: Bring original degrees, diplomas, transcripts, or credential evaluations to confirm you meet profession-specific education requirements.
- Licenses/Certifications: If your profession requires a U.S. license to practice, provide valid proof.
- Proof of Citizenship: Depending on your place of origin, you need a valid Canadian or Mexican passport.
The TN visa process can be complex. Missing documents or unclear job duties or descriptions may lead to delays or even a denial. Collaborating with seasoned TN visa lawyers and an immigration attorney can help guarantee that your application is thorough, precise, and compliant with U.S. immigration requirements, thereby maximizing your chances of approval.
Why Choose The Law Office of Díaz & Núñez Elorza for Your TN Visa Case?
When it comes to TN visa applications, experience and precision matter, at Díaz & Núñez Elorza, we provide personalized strategies, deep NAFTA knowledge, and client-focused service to help Canadian and Mexican professionals achieve smooth approvals.
- TN Visa Law Is What We Do Best – Our firm has extensive experience navigating TN visa cases under NAFTA and USMCA rules, allowing us to assist foreign nationals effectively.
- Custom Strategies for Each Client – We build tailored legal plans highlighting your qualifications and matching your profession.
- Detail-Oriented Document Review – Every document, from your job offer to your degree, is checked to meet strict CBP standards.
- Proven Support for Canadians & Mexicans – We’ve helped hundreds of professionals from Canada and Mexico start careers in the U.S.
- Local Insight, National Reach – Based in Florida, we understand regional employer needs and immigration trends that impact your case.
- You Come First (Always!) – We prioritize clear communication, transparency, and your long-term goals every step of the way.
Seek Specialized Advice for Your TN NAFTA Journey
Whether you’re preparing for a port-of-entry application or need help with employer documentation, early legal guidance can save time and prevent rejections.
Let us review your case and build a strategy that protects your professional future in the U.S.
Call 305-831-3002 or message us online to schedule your consultation today.
FAQs – TN NAFTA Professional Lawyer
Can I apply for a TN NAFTA visa if I am a permanent resident of Canada or Mexico?
No, the TN NAFTA visa is designated explicitly for citizens from Canada or Mexico. Individuals who are permanent residents in either nation cannot apply for TN status, irrespective of their job offer or professional qualifications.
Does my job title need to exactly match a profession on the NAFTA/USMCA list?
Your job title should align closely with a NAFTA/USMCA position, though an exact match isn’t necessary. Demonstrating relevant skills and work experience strengthens your application by illustrating how your role corresponds with listed jobs.
Is it possible for a TN visa to directly result in obtaining a U.S. Green Card?
A TN visa doesn’t provide immediate U.S. green card access; other visas can lead to permanent residency. It is advisable to consult an immigration lawyer to determine the best path based on your individual circumstances.
Can my spouse work in the U.S. on a TD visa?
If you hold a TN visa, your spouse and family members can obtain TD status to live in the U.S. However, TD visa holders cannot work and must maintain their non-working status while with the primary visa holder.
How long can I stay in the U.S. on a TN visa, and can it be extended?
It permits a TN visa holder to stay in the U.S. for a duration of up to three years, with the possibility of extending their stay. You must demonstrate compliance with TN visa requirements and intention to stay temporarily.
Your TN Visa Should Be a Bridge, Not a Barrier
The TN visa can open doors for engineers, accountants, scientists, and dozens of other professionals, but one misstep in your job description can cause delays or denials.
Whether you’re renewing, applying for the first time, or facing a complicated situation at the border, our experienced TN NAFTA professional lawyers are here to support your career goals every step of the way.
