United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional) for Canadians

Overview

The route most Canadian professionals should check first. Under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA), a Canadian citizen with a prearranged job in one of about 60 listed professions — engineers, accountants, computer systems analysts, scientists, registered nurses, management consultants and more — can apply for TN status directly with a US Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry or at a preclearance station in a Canadian airport. Canadians need no visa, no USCIS petition and no lottery registration, and the decision is made when you apply for admission. You bring proof of Canadian citizenship, an employer letter describing the role, and proof of your qualifications, and pay a US$50 fee, plus a US$30 I-94 fee if you cross at a land border. Status is granted for up to three years and can be renewed with no overall limit, but it requires temporary intent and does not itself lead to a green card. A spouse and children get TD status, which allows study but not work. TN is for Canadian citizens only: permanent residents of Canada do not qualify.

This page covers Canadians. For every nationality we track, see the United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional) overview.

Requirements for Canadians

Processing time & costs

Typical processing takes 1 week after applying. The government fee is approximately $50. Difficulty: 2/5.

Documents you'll need

• Confirm you are a Canadian citizen, not a permanent resident
• Match your job to a profession on the USMCA list
• Check you hold the credential your profession requires
• Secure a prearranged job with a US employer
• Get the employer support letter
• Gather originals of your degree, transcripts and licences
• Health care workers: obtain your credentials certificate
• Choose a port of entry or preclearance location
• Apply for admission and pay the fees
• Check your I-94 admission record
• Bring your spouse and children in TD status
• Apply for a Social Security number
• Plan your renewal or any change of employer

The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional) take for Canadians?

Typical processing time is 1 week after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.

What does the TN Visa (USMCA Professional) cost?

The government fee is approximately $50. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.

Do Canadians need a job offer for the TN Visa (USMCA Professional)?

Yes. A job offer from an employer in United States is required before applying.

Can I bring my family on the TN Visa (USMCA Professional)?

Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.

Other United States visas for Canadians

• H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
• L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa
• E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
• F-1 Student Visa

United States visas for other nationalities

• 🇮🇳 Indians