TN Status (USMCA)

TN Status (USMCA Professional)

The TN (Trade NAFTA, now USMCA) nonimmigrant classification allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the United States in specific professional occupations listed in the USMCA agreement. It is one of the simplest and most accessible work authorization pathways for qualifying North American professionals.

Eligible Professions

There are 63 qualifying occupations listed in USMCA Appendix 2, including: - Engineers (all disciplines) - Scientists (biologists, chemists, physicists, geologists, etc.) - Accountants (CPA or equivalent) - Computer Systems Analysts - Economists - Lawyers (limited to consultants, not licensed US practice) - Management Consultants - Mathematicians / Statisticians - Physicians (teaching or research only) - Pharmacists - Social Workers - Teachers (at universities) - Nurses (RN only)

Canadian vs. Mexican Citizens

Canadian citizens: May apply for TN status directly at a US port of entry (no visa required). Approval is often granted the same day.

Mexican citizens: Must apply for a TN visa at a US Embassy or Consulate before entering the US (visa required). Process takes several weeks.

Key Features

• No annual cap — TN can be granted year-round without a lottery
• Initial period: Up to 3 years per entry
• Extensions: File at a US port of entry (Canadians) or USCIS (both) for unlimited 3-year extensions
• No dual intent: TN holders should not have an immigrant intent; having a pending green card application may jeopardize TN status
• Employer-specific: TN is tied to a specific employer; must restart process when changing employers

Important Limitation

Unlike H-1B and L-1, TN does not allow dual intent. If you plan to pursue a green card, consider H-1B or L-1 instead, as USCIS may deny TN to applicants with pending immigrant petitions.