La visa TN, explicada de forma sencilla

What is the TN?

The TN comes from the USMCA trade deal between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. It lets professionals from Canada and Mexico work in the U.S. in specific jobs. Think roles like engineer, accountant, scientist, teacher, nurse, and many others on the approved list.

It is popular because it is fast and can be renewed again and again as long as you keep qualifying.

Who is it for?

It is only for citizens of Canada and Mexico. You need a job offer from a U.S. employer, and the job has to be one of the professions named in the USMCA list. If your role is not on that list, the TN will not work.

What you need to qualify

• You are a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
• You have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
• The job is on the USMCA professional list.
• You have the right degree or license for that profession.

How long it lasts and renewing

The TN is usually granted for up to 3 years at a time. You can renew it over and over, with no strict lifetime limit, as long as the job and your intent to stay temporary still hold true.

How much it costs

How the process works

1. You get a job offer from a U.S. employer.
2. Your employer writes a letter describing the job and pay.
3. You gather your degree, license, and citizenship proof.
4. Canadians can apply right at a U.S. port of entry. Mexicans apply at a U.S. consulate first.
5. If approved, you can start work.

Can it lead to a green card?

Not directly. The TN is built for temporary intent, so it does not line up with a green card the way the H-1B or L-1 do. Some people switch to another visa first if they want to pursue permanent residence. Get advice before making that move.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying for a job that is not on the USMCA list.
• Not having the exact degree or license the profession requires.
• Showing strong plans to stay permanently, which conflicts with the TN.
• A job letter that is vague about your role or pay.

Is the TN right for you?

If you are Canadian or Mexican with a job offer that fits the list, the TN is fast, affordable, and easy to renew. The trade-off is that it is meant to be temporary. If a green card is your long-term plan, weigh the TN against the H-1B or other options first.

Nailing your TN interview

Here is what the TN interview looks like and how to walk in ready.

TN is for Canadian and Mexican citizens in specific USMCA professions. Canadians usually apply right at the border or airport; Mexicans apply at a consulate first. Either way, the officer checks that your job is on the professional list, that you hold the right degree or license, and that the role is temporary.

Questions officers often ask

• What profession are you being hired for, and is it on the TN list?
• What is your degree or credential, and does it match the job?
• Who is your US employer, and what will you do day to day?
• How long is the assignment?

Before you go, the basics

• Book early and arrive early, and bring every document your appointment letter lists, plus your passport and your DS-160 or DS-260 confirmation page.
• Know your own file: your answers out loud must match, word for word in spirit, what you wrote on your application.
• Answer only what you are asked, in one or two clear sentences, then stop; do not volunteer extra information.
• Be honest about everything, including past refusals or overstays; a small truth is always safer than a discovered lie.
• Carry your documents organized and easy to hand over, but wait for the officer to ask before pulling anything out.
• Speak for yourself in simple words; you do not need perfect English, and you do not need to memorize a script.
• Stay calm and polite even if the officer is brisk; most interviews last only two to five minutes.
• Dress neatly and treat it like a serious appointment, because first impressions are formed fast.
• Do not bring phones or bags you cannot check, and never offer money or gifts of any kind.
• If you do not understand a question, it is fine to ask the officer to repeat it.

Common questions

Who can use the TN?

Only citizens of Canada and Mexico. It does not apply to people from other countries.

How fast can I get it?

Canadians can often get it at the border in a single visit. It is one of the quickest work visas, with no lottery to wait for.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can come on TD status, but they cannot work on that status.

Can I get a green card on the TN?

Not directly, because the TN is for temporary intent. Many people switch to another visa first if they want to seek permanent residence. Talk to an expert before you do.