TN professionals — eligible nationality limits
Non-immigrant status created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) allowing qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to engage in professional business activities in the US.
Who this pathway suits
Citizens of Canada and Mexico with job offers in designated USMCA professional occupations.
Eligibility at a glance
- Citizen of Canada or Mexico
- Job offer on the USMCA Chapter 16 professional occupation list (engineers, scientists, accountants, economists, management consultants)
- Possess required educational qualifications (typically a bachelor's degree in the specific field)
- Non-immigrant intent
How the process works
- Canadian citizens can apply directly at a US port of entry / pre-clearance inspection with CBP (same-day adjudication)
- Mexican citizens file Form DS-160 and attend a US consular interview
- Granted in increments of up to 3 years with unlimited renewals
Documents you will typically need
- Canadian/Mexican passport, detailed employer support letter specifying occupation and duties, original degree certificates, transcripts
What to keep in mind
Canadians do not require a prior USCIS petition and can obtain TN status at the border in minutes.
Official source: USCIS — TN NAFTA Professionals. Government authorities make all final decisions; no outcome is guaranteed.
Parallel Options & Supporting Tools for TN professionals — eligible nationality limits
Explore supporting intelligence briefings, interactive points assessment tools, institutional services, and parallel global migration pathways.
Supporting Tools & Verification Checklists
Institutional Legal Services & Representation
Comparable Pathways Across Other Destinations
Related Category Pathways
H-1B specialty occupations
Verify current official rules and scope before publication.
L-1 intracompany transferee
Verify current official rules and scope before publication.
O-1 extraordinary ability
Verify current official rules and scope before publication.
E-1 treaty trader
Verify current official rules and scope before publication.

