TN – Classification Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

TN is a temporary non-immigrant classification pertaining to Canadian and Mexican professionals under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).    The proffered position must fall within professions listed under the NAFTA Appendix 1603.D.1 and the TN applicant must possess the qualifying credentials.

 

• Canadian TNs:  Canadian citizens may apply for TN classification directly at a designated U.S. port-of-entry or U.S. pre-flight/pre-clearance facility.  Canadian citizens are visa exempt and do not need consular visas to travel or apply for admission to the U.S.

 

• Mexican TNs:  Mexican citizens are required to obtain a TN visa for entry into the U.S. and must apply for TN status at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico.

 

* An application for TN classification can also be made by submitting Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, to USCIS.

 

Self-Employment Not Permitted

 

A TN applicant is not permitted to engage in self-employment in the U.S., nor render services to a company in which s/he is a controlling owner or shareholder.

 

Duration of status

 

A TN applicant may be granted initial entry for up to three years and is eligible for extensions of up to 3 years with no maximum limitations on stay.

 

Dependents

 

Dependents of TN workers are granted TD status.  They are not required to be Canadian or Mexican citizens.  Dependents are not granted employment authorization.