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TN Visa Attorney for Canadian and Mexican NAFTA Professionals

Compassionate Legal Guidance for Families and Individuals in Camp Hill, Harrisburg, York, and Beyond

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Canadian and Mexican citizens may be eligible to enter the United States as a NAFTA professional to work temporarily in the United States if they meet the following requirements:

Note: The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). However, the term “NAFTA professional” remains in use by U.S. immigration authorities and in TN visa regulations.

  1. They are a Canadian or Mexican citizen (not a permanent resident)
  2. The profession in which they intend to work is on the NAFTA list, which includes, but is not limited to, accounting, teaching, and pharmacy. (see the official list of** NAFTA professional occupations** for all eligible fields)
  3. The position in the United States in which they intend to work requires a NAFTA professional
  4. They will be working in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for an employer (self-employment is not permissible)
  5. If they have the necessary qualifications for the profession, including education, experience, and other specific requirements

Education and Duration of TN Visas

Most NAFTA professions require at least a Bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions (see the list of qualifying NAFTA professions for TN visas for degree and experience requirements). If a particular degree is required for a profession, experience cannot substitute for that degree. If granted, a TN visa (or TN status) is valid for 3 years and can be renewed indefinitely in 3-year increments.

TN Visa Process for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

The process for Canadian citizens differs slightly from that for Mexican citizens. Canadian citizens generally do not require a TN visa; they must obtain TN status to enter the United States as a NAFTA professional, though they may request issuance of a TN visa. The only category of Canadians seeking TN status who must obtain a TN visa is Canadians who live in a third country with a non-Canadian spouse and/or children (spouses and children are then eligible for “TD” visas). Canadian citizens who choose not to obtain a visa in advance should apply for TN status at a U.S. port of entry.

Mexican citizens must apply for and be granted a TN visa before entering the United States as a NAFTA professional. Most Mexican citizens who apply for a TN visa must also attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate before being granted one.

Speak With a TN Visa Attorney

If you are interested in learning more about the TN process, contact us online or call 717-731-8114 to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys.