TN classification, which was created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”) allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to enter the U.S. temporarily to engage in business activities at a professional level. 

There are more than 60 occupations permissible under the NAFTA Professions list.  You may be eligible for TN nonimmigrant status to work in one of these categories if you are a citizen of Canada or Mexico, yours is one of the listed professions, the proposed position in the U.S. requires a NAFTA professional, you have a pre-arranged part-time or full-time job offer with a U.S. employer (please note you cannot be self-employed), and you possess the qualifications of the profession.  In most instances this means a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in the area of the profession sought. 

The TN visa is attractive to Canadian professionals because the application can be made directly to CBP at a port-of-entry and if the inspecting officer is satisfied that the applicant meets all of the necessary qualifications, TN status will be issued immediately.  In addition, the government processing fees are very reasonable compared to other nonimmigrant employment-based categories.  A TN application must be presented with $50 for the processing fee and an additional $6 for issuance of an I-94 card at a land border port-of-entry.  Typically, TN status is granted in three year increments and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the individual can show nonimmigrant intent. 

Page summary:  The TN category is an option available for many Canadian professionals.