TN Employees

Under the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”), qualified foreign professionals from Canada and Mexico may apply for temporary (employment-sponsored) work authorization in the TN classification.

In order to qualify, the individual must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico and must be seeking to undertake employment in one of the following professions: 

Required TN documentation includes the following:

1. A statement from the employer which includes a full description of the nature of the duties the beneficiary will be performing, the anticipated length of stay, and the arrangements for the payment of wages;

2. Evidence that the beneficiary meets the education and/or alternative credentials for the activity;

3. Evidence that all licensure requirements, where applicable to the activity, have been satisfied; and

4. Evidence of Canadian or Mexican citizenship.

Note: Mexican Citizens require a TN visa stamp in their passports to enter the U.S. 

Dependents (spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age) of TN professionals are entitled to TD status. Dependents may be students in the U.S., but may not be employed under the TD status.

If the TN Petition is submitted at the border, a filing fee of $56 is required (this includes a $50 TN processing fee and $6 fee for the issuance of the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record Card). Family members must pay $6 each for the issuance of the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record Card. 

If applying for TN status (typically an extension or change of status) in the U.S. through U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services ("USCIS"), a filing fee of $325 applies.  Premium processing is available in order to obtain adjudication of the petition within 15 calendar days by paying an additional $1,225 to USCIS.  To cover the costs associated with the preparation of the TN Petition, a legal services fee of $750 will be charged.