TN
USMCA professional
The TN lets Canadian and Mexican citizens work in the U.S. in professions listed in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Each listed profession has its own minimum credentials, usually a bachelor's degree or a license. There is no lottery and no cap, and status can be renewed as long as your stay stays temporary.
Request a consultIs the TN for you?
- Canadian and Mexican citizens with a job offer in a listed profession
- Engineers, scientists, accountants, and management consultants
- Employers who need someone to start soon
- Professionals who plan a temporary stay, at least for now
- Who sponsors
- Employer
- Typical stay
- Up to 3 years, renewable
What the case needs
- 01Canadian or Mexican citizenship. Permanent residents of those countries do not qualify.
- 02A job offer from a U.S. employer in a profession on the USMCA list. Self-employment is not allowed.
- 03The credentials the list sets for that profession, usually a bachelor's or licenciatura degree, and in some cases a license or set years of experience.
- 04Job duties that match the listed profession at a professional level.
- 05A detailed employer letter describing the role, duties, length of stay, pay, and your qualifications.
- 06Intent to stay temporarily. The TN does not allow immigrant intent.
Your case, start to finish.
An attorney matches your role to the right profession on the list. The fit between job title, duties, and degree is the core of the case.
We draft the employer letter and assemble degree certificates, transcripts, licenses, and credential evaluations into one packet.
For Canadians, we prepare you for the officer at the border or preclearance. For Mexicans, we prepare the visa application and consular interview.
We track renewal dates and tell you when a green card plan could affect your next TN entry or renewal.
Before you ask.
How do Canadians and Mexicans apply?
Canadians usually apply at a U.S. port of entry or preclearance location, with the employer letter and credentials in hand. Mexicans first get a TN visa at a U.S. consulate. The employer can also file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is common for extensions inside the U.S.
My job is in software. Does that qualify?
Software roles are not on the list by name. Many fit under a listed profession such as Engineer or Computer Systems Analyst, if your degree and duties support it. We check that fit before you apply.
Can I get a green card while on a TN?
It takes planning. The TN requires temporary intent, so immigrant filings can lead an officer to question your next entry or renewal. We plan the order of steps with you, and some people move to an H-1B or O-1 first.
Can my family come with me?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can join you in TD status. They can study in the U.S. TD status does not allow them to work.
Worth comparing.
H-1B
Specialty occupations that call for a degree. Most employers enter the annual lottery.
Employer · 3 years, extendable to 6
O-1A
Extraordinary ability in science, business, or technology. No lottery, no annual cap.
Employer or agent · Up to 3 years, renewable
L-1A
Managers and executives moving from a related company abroad.
Employer · Up to 7 years
Tell us about
your case.
Share where you are today and where you want to go. We'll help you understand the immigration path and the work surrounding it.