O visto TN, explicado de forma simples

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.

Para quem é?

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.

O que você precisa para se qualificar

• 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.

Quanto tempo dura e renovação

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.

Quanto custa

Como funciona o processo

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.

Pode levar a um 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.

Erros comuns a evitar

• 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.

Perguntas que os oficiais costumam fazer

• 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?

Antes de ir, o básico

• Marque com antecedência e chegue cedo, e leve todos os documentos listados na sua carta de agendamento, além do seu passaporte e da página de confirmação do DS-160 ou DS-260.
• Conheça o seu próprio processo: suas respostas em voz alta devem corresponder, em essência, ao que você escreveu na sua aplicação.
• Responda apenas o que for perguntado, em uma ou duas frases claras, e então pare; não ofereça informações a mais.
• Seja honesto sobre tudo, inclusive recusas ou permanências além do prazo no passado; uma pequena verdade é sempre mais segura do que uma mentira descoberta.
• Leve seus documentos organizados e fáceis de entregar, mas espere o oficial pedir antes de tirar qualquer coisa.
• Fale por você mesmo com palavras simples; você não precisa de um inglês perfeito nem precisa decorar um roteiro.
• Mantenha a calma e a educação mesmo que o oficial seja ríspido; a maioria das entrevistas dura apenas de dois a cinco minutos.
• Vista-se de forma cuidada e trate isso como um compromisso sério, porque a primeira impressão se forma rápido.
• Não leve celulares ou bolsas que você não possa deixar guardadas, e nunca ofereça dinheiro ou presentes de qualquer tipo.
• Se você não entender uma pergunta, não há problema em pedir ao oficial que a repita.

Perguntas frequentes

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.