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TN Visa Checklist

USMCA professionals — Canadians apply at the border, Mexicans at the embassy

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$56

CBP Fee

Canadians at border

$185

MRV Fee

Mexicans at embassy

✓

No Cap

no lottery, no quota

3 years

Duration

renewable indefinitely

Phase 1: Confirm Eligibility

Must be a Canadian or Mexican citizen in a qualifying USMCA profession

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TN is only available to Canadian and Mexican citizens in specific professions listed in Appendix 1603.D.1 of USMCA. Check the list carefully.

You are a Canadian or Mexican citizen (not permanent resident)

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Your profession is on the USMCA qualifying professions list

Action
USMCA TN professions list

You meet the specific education/credential requirements for your listed profession

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e.g., Engineer requires a bachelor's in engineering; Accountant requires CPA or equivalent

You have a US employer who has offered you a position in the qualifying profession

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Your job duties match the description of the listed profession

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Phase 2: Get Employer Support Letter

The employer letter is the most critical document for TN

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Obtain a detailed letter from the US employer on company letterhead

Document

Letter must state: your profession, specific job duties, length of stay, and your salary

Document

Letter must confirm the position is a qualifying TN profession

Document

Letter must be signed by an authorized company representative with title

Document

Letter must confirm you are employed by (not contracted to) the US company

Document

Phase 3: Canadian Citizens — Apply at Port of Entry

No visa required — Canadians apply directly at the US border or pre-clearance

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Canadians do NOT need a TN visa stamp — they apply directly at the border. Bring all documents with you.

Arrive at US land border crossing or preclearance airport (Canada)

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Bring all required documents to CBP officer (see documents phase below)

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CBP adjudicates on the spot — usually takes 30–60 minutes

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Pay $56 fee to CBP at the border (if Form I-94 is issued)

Fee

If approved: receive I-94 with TN status, valid up to 3 years

Document

Print your I-94 record at i94.cbp.dhs.gov after entry

Document
Print I-94

Phase 4: Mexican Citizens — Apply at US Embassy

Must obtain TN visa stamp at US Embassy in Mexico

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Complete DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application online

Form
DS-160

Pay MRV visa fee: $185

Fee

Schedule and attend interview at US Embassy in Mexico

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Bring all required documents to interview

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Receive TN visa stamp in passport

Document

Phase 5: Required Documents (Both Nationalities)

Bring originals and copies of everything

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Valid passport (Canadian or Mexican)

Document

Employer support letter (detailed, on letterhead)

Document

Educational credentials: degree diploma and/or transcripts

Document

Professional credentials/licenses if required for your profession (e.g., CPA, PE license)

Document

Resume/CV showing relevant experience

Document

Any prior TN I-94 records (if renewing)

Document

Phase 6: TN Renewal & Maintenance

TN can be renewed indefinitely — no maximum total stay

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Option 1: Travel to Canada and re-enter with new employer letter (Canadians)

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Option 2: File Form I-129 (Change of Status/Extension) with USCIS — stay in US while processing

Form

I-129 extension fee: $730 base + $500 fraud prevention fee

Fee

TN status can be renewed indefinitely — there is no 6-year cap like H-1B

Action

Note: TN is non-immigrant intent — having an approved I-140 or pending green card application may cause issues at re-entry

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Consult an attorney if you are pursuing a green card while on TN