TN NAFTA Professionals

Eligibility

The non-immigrant TN visa allows eligible citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the United States as USMCA professionals in prearranged professional level business activities in certain occupations for one or more U.S. entities or foreign employers in the U.S., provided that each employer sponsors a separate TN visa. (Legal permanent residents of Canada and Mexico are not eligible for TN visas to work as USMCA professionals.) The TN visa category was original established under the North American Free Trade Agreement, which is why you may see reference to that treaty. Visit the Department of State’s TN USMCA Professionals webpage and the USCIS Treaty NAFTA/TN status webpage to learn more about TN non-immigrant status.

TN status may be granted for an initial period of up to three years, and this status may be extended indefinitely in three-year increments.

1. The profession must be on the list of qualifying positions.
2. The individual must have at least a bachelor’s degree or appropriate credentials demonstrating status as a professional.
3. The individual possesses the requisite educational background and experience for that position.
4. The individual must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
5. The individual must have a prearranged job that is not self-employment.
6. Canadian citizens apply for TN visas at the U.S. port of entry.
7. Mexican citizens must apply for TN visas in a U.S. embassy or consulate in advance.

The ISSS staff can assist the Middlebury/MIIS community in making the determination whether the TN visa is appropriate for an employee. The TN visa is a temporary visa category and is not appropriate for permanent roles such as tenure-track positions.

For additional information regarding TN status, please contact ISSS. 

Application for TN Status

ISSS is notified of the hire and given a copy of the contract/offer letter.  Then ISSS will contact the prospective employee to obtain the necessary information and documentation.  ISSS will prepare the necessary support letters and other documentation and send it to the prospective TN employee.  ISSS requires at least 4 to 6 weeks to prepare this paperwork.

It is always best to obtain TN status via travel – leaving the U.S. and obtaining TN status upon re-entry to the U.S.  In rare circumstances, it may be possible to file a TN petition with USCIS but it can take several months to get approval therefore travel is usually always much quicker and a break in employment would be less likely when obtaining TN status via travel.

Updated 2/3/2025