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TN Visa Attorney for Canadian and Mexican Professionals | Harari Law

By Talia Harari, Attorney at Law. Updated September 2026.

The TN lets citizens of Canada and Mexico work in the U.S. in listed professional jobs under the USMCA trade agreement. It is open to those two nationalities only. There is no lottery and no annual cap, and each grant lasts up to three years and can be renewed.

Key Takeaways

  • Only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify; permanent residents of those countries do not.
  • The job must be on the USMCA professions list, with a prearranged U.S. employer.
  • Canadians usually apply at the border; Mexicans first get a visa at a consulate.

Who Qualifies

The USCIS TN page lists the requirements:

  • You are a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
  • Your profession is on the USMCA list, which includes accountants, engineers, scientists, teachers and many more.
  • You have a prearranged full-time or part-time job with a U.S. employer. Self-employment does not count.
  • You meet the profession’s requirements, often a bachelor’s degree or a license.

How We Handle It

  1. Consultation. We learn your profession and job offer.
  2. Strategy session with our legal team. We match the job to a USMCA category.
  3. Evidence and preparation. We prepare the employer letter and credentials.
  4. Review and filing. We review the package with you before you apply.

The H-1B allows dual intent. Canada and Mexico are also E-2 treaty countries, so owners may consider the E-2.

Ready to talk through your TN case?

Request a Consultation

Flat fee, quoted in full before we begin. Admitted in New York, representing clients nationwide and abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold a TN while applying for a green card?

Carefully. The TN does not allow immigrant intent, so we time any green card plan around it.

How long does TN status last?

Up to three years per grant, renewable while you keep qualifying.

Can my family come with me?

Yes, in TD status. TD spouses cannot work, but can study.

Related: all the visas we handle, H-1B visa, E-2 visa.

This article is general information from Harari Law, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law and agency policy change; outcomes depend on individual facts. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.