TN (TN1) Visa Requirements

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To qualify as a professional under NAFTA you must meet the following basic criteria/requirements:

  • You are a Canadian, Mexican or U.S. citizen
  • The business activity/occupation you intend to engage in is one of the approved professions listed in NAFTA Appendix 1603.D
  • You are qualified to work in this business activity
  • You have been offered a job by a U.S., Canadian, or Mexican employer
  • The job offered is temporary in nature, up to a maximum stay of one year
Full time jobs with an indefinite period of employment do qualify for the TN Visa. To ensure you successfully obtain the TN Visa for this type of job, you must write your TN Visa Employer Letter correctly and know how to answer the Immigration Officer's questions. This is explained in detail in the TN Visa Expert Application Kit.

TN Visa Documentation Requirement At The Border

Be Prepared! As a result of increased security concerns, U.S. Immigration Officials at the border have been directed to conduct more thorough inspections. You must ensure you have the necessary documentation to establish your identity and purpose of entry and prove that you are eligible for a TN Visa. This is the basic documentation requirement you must have:

  • Proof of citizenship (Canadian, Mexican or U.S)
  • Letter from your prospective employer
  • Job Title and detailed summary of your duties (job description)
  • Proof employment will be temporary; no more than 1 year
  • Arrangement of payment for your services
  • Proof you possess the required NAFTA Occupation credentials
  • Filing fee - $50 USD (price at the time of this publication)
  • Form I94 fee - $6 USD (price at the time of this publication)

Additional documentation may be required at the border for certain occupations.  The TN Visa Expert Kit provides specific details for these highly scrutinized occupations.  It is always better to be over prepared than under prepared. Showing additional supporting documentation shows the Immigration Officer that you're prepared, knowledgeable and can prove that you qualify.

A TN Visa requirement for applicants who possess foreign degrees is to obtain a credential evaluation of their degree to show that it is equivalent to a U.S. or Canadian degree. The TN Visa Expert Kit explains this in more detail.

Remember, even if you have a valid TN Visa Application, you can be denied if you are not prepared for the border interview. The Immigration Officer's primary concern is to keep his country safe. If he has any reason to doubt your answers or your application, you WILL BE DENIED.

The TN Visa Expert Kit will help you understand all the details of creating a successful TN Visa Application and mistakes to avoid.