🇺🇸 United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional)

What is the United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional)?

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.

United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional) requirements, cost, and processing time

Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Canadians.

United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional) cost and processing time by nationality

Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.

Documents needed for the United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional)

• 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

This list is the checklist for Canadians. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements for the United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional)?

The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in United States; a relevant degree. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Canadians; the official source lists the full document set.

How much does the United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional) cost?

The government fee is about $50 (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.

What is the United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional) processing time?

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

Do I need a job offer for the United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional)?

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

Can family members join on the United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional)?

Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.

Does the United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional) lead to permanent residency?

No. On its own it does not lead to permanent residency.

Is the TN status the same as the United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional)?

Yes. TN status, TN-1 visa, USMCA professional, NAFTA professional, and TN NAFTA visa are other names people use for the United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional).

United States TN Visa (USMCA Professional) guides by nationality

• 🇨🇦 For Canadians

Other United States visas

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