Who this is for
- Citizens of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents of those countries generally do not qualify on that basis alone)
- People with a prearranged, full-time or part-time job offer from a U.S. employer or a foreign employer with U.S. activities
- Workers whose job falls within one of the professions listed in the USMCA, such as certain engineering, science, medical, teaching and business roles
- People who meet the education or credential requirement for that profession, often a bachelor's degree or a specific license
- People coming temporarily, not to stay permanently
Forms involved
| Form | Official name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| I-129 | Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | Used by a U.S. employer to request TN status for a worker already in the U.S., to extend a stay, or to change employers; Canadians can also use it instead of applying at the border. |
| DS-160 | Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | The visa application Mexican citizens complete before their consular interview, and that dependents who need a TD visa complete. |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Used by TD family members already in the U.S. to extend or change their own status. |
| I-907 | Request for Premium Processing Service | An optional request for faster USCIS action on an eligible I-129 petition. |
Step by step
- Confirm the job matches a listed professionThe employer and worker check that the actual duties fit one of the USMCA professions and that the worker has the required degree or credential.
- Prepare the employer support letterThe employer writes a letter describing the job, its professional duties, the expected length of stay, pay, and how the worker meets the education requirement.
- Canadians: apply at the border or preclearanceA Canadian citizen usually presents the letter, proof of citizenship and credentials to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, who decides on admission. No visa is generally needed.
- Mexicans: apply for a TN visa at a consulateA Mexican citizen usually completes the DS-160, attends a visa interview, and then presents the visa and documents when entering the U.S.
- Bring family members as TD dependentsA spouse and unmarried children under 21 can usually come in TD status. Canadian dependents generally don't need a visa, while non-Canadian dependents usually apply for a TD visa.
- Extend or change employersBefore the stay ends, the employer can file Form I-129 with USCIS, or the worker can often seek a new admission at the border. A new employer usually needs its own approval before the worker starts.
Documents usually requested
- Valid passport or proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship
- Employer support letter describing the job, duties, pay and length of stay
- Diplomas and transcripts, with credential evaluations for foreign degrees if needed
- Professional licenses, if the profession or state requires one
- Résumé and reference letters showing work experience, when the profession calls for it
- DS-160 confirmation page (Mexican applicants and TD visa applicants)
- Current I-94 record and prior approval notices (for extensions)
- Marriage and birth certificates for TD family members
How long it takes
Canadians applying at the border usually get a decision at the time of inspection, while Mexican applicants depend on consular appointment availability. I-129 timing depends on the USCIS service center and whether premium processing is used; see the USCIS processing times page.
Government filing fees
Form I-129 carries a USCIS filing fee and premium processing is an optional extra fee; there may also be a fee at the border and a State Department visa application fee for Mexican applicants. Fees are set by each agency and change, so check the USCIS fee schedule (G-1055) and the State Department fee pages.
Working and traveling while you wait
A TN worker may work only for the employer that sponsored them, in the approved role. TD spouses and children generally cannot work in the U.S., although they may usually study; TN workers can normally travel and re-enter with their documents while the job continues.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a job title that matches the list while the real duties don't fit that profession
- Missing proof of the degree or license that the listed profession requires
- Language in the employer letter that suggests the job is permanent or open-ended
- Starting work for a new employer before that employer's TN approval is in place
- Assuming a TD spouse can work because the TN worker can
How MyUSVisa helps
- Answer a guided questionnaire in your language and upload your documents once — we read, sort and assemble them into a clear case file and timeline.
- Your organized case is offered to licensed U.S. immigration attorneys who handle this type of case. Interested attorneys send you offers, and you compare and choose — or don't.
- Once you choose, you and your attorney work in one place: messages, documents, deadlines and automatic USCIS status updates, on the web and in the mobile app.
Frequently asked questions
Do Canadians need a visa for TN status?
Generally, no. Canadian citizens can usually apply for TN status directly at a U.S. port of entry or preclearance location with a job offer letter and proof of qualifications. A visa may be needed only in limited situations, such as when traveling with non-Canadian family members who need TD visas.
Can a Mexican citizen get TN status at the border?
No, Mexican citizens generally need to get a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate first. After the visa is issued, they present it and their documents to an officer when entering the U.S.
Can I apply for a green card while on a TN?
It can be complicated. TN is meant for people coming temporarily, so starting a green card process can create intent issues when renewing or re-entering. An attorney can explain how timing and travel may affect a specific case.
How do I extend TN status?
The employer can usually file Form I-129 with USCIS before the current stay ends, or the worker may be able to seek a new admission at the border or, for Mexicans, through a consulate. There is generally no fixed limit on the number of extensions as long as the stay stays temporary.
Can my spouse work on TD status?
In general, no. TD spouses and children are not allowed to work in the U.S., though they can usually attend school. A spouse who wants to work typically needs their own work visa or status.
Is my job on the USMCA list?
It depends on the actual duties, not only the job title. The USMCA list covers specific professions with set education or license requirements, and an attorney can review whether a particular role fits.
Official sources
Last reviewed: October 2026
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Immigration rules, forms and fees change often — always check the official sources above. MyUSVisa is not a law firm and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency; legal advice comes only from the licensed attorney you choose.