TN Visa Requirements: Step-by-Step Guide on the TN Visa Requirements
Author: Ashoori Law
The TN visa is a powerful option for citizens of Canada and Mexico to live and work in the United States. With a TN visa, a US company can offer you a job without going through the Department of Labor and getting a Labor Certification. Yet, the TN visa has multiple requirements. To get your TN visa approved, it is critical that you understand and satisfy all of the TN visa requirements.
In this guide, I will discuss the TN visa requirements.
1. General Overview of the TN Visa
The TN visa is a nonimmigrant visa for citizens of Canada and Mexico. With a TN visa, a Mexican or Canadian citizen can work for a company in the United States. Because the TN visa is a nonimmigrant classification, it is temporary and does not directly lead to a green card. The TN visa initially grants 3 years of status in the United States and can be extended without limit, as long as the TN visa requirements continue to be satisfied.
For official USCIS guidance on the TN visa requirements, see the USCIS TN status page.
2. TN Visa Requirements at a Glance
The table below summarizes the 5 main TN visa requirements and what you need to show for each one.
| TN Visa Requirement | What You Must Show |
|---|---|
| 1. Canadian or Mexican Citizenship | Valid citizenship of Canada or Mexico (permanent residency alone does not qualify) |
| 2. Job Offer | A job offer from a US employer; TN visa does not permit self-employment or sole-owner employment |
| 3. TN Occupation List | Your proposed US job must be one of the professions listed on the TN occupation list |
| 4. Educational and Professional Requirements | You must meet the specific degree, license, or experience requirements for your TN profession |
| 5. Non-Immigrant Intent | You must intend temporary entry only; must demonstrate foreign residence and strong ties to your home country |
3. You Must be a Citizen of Canada or Mexico
In order to qualify for a TN visa, you must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico. If you are a lawful permanent resident of Canada or Mexico but are not a citizen, you do not qualify for the TN visa.
4. You Must Have a Job Offer
In order to qualify for a TN visa, you must have a job offer to work in the United States. The TN visa is not a self-employment visa. The TN visa does not allow you to start a business in the United States and work for that business. Similarly, the TN visa does not allow you to work for a company that you are the sole owner of. You must actually have a job offer to work for a qualifying US company.
5. Your Proposed Job Must be on the TN Occupation List
To qualify for a TN visa, your proposed US job must be listed on the TN occupation list. The TN visa is limited to certain professions. If the profession is not listed on the TN occupation list, it will not qualify.
Below is the TN Occupation List along with the educational and professional requirements for each occupation:
General Occupations
- Accountant – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR CPA, CA, CGA, or CMA
- Architect – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR state/provincial license
- Computer Systems Analyst – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR Post-secondary certificate and 3 years of experience
- Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree and successful completion of training in disaster relief insurance adjustment OR 3 years of experience in claims adjustment and successful completion of training in the appropriate areas
- Economist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Engineer – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR state or provincial license
- Forester – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR state or provincial license
- Graphic Designer – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Hotel Manager – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree in hotel/restaurant management OR Post-Secondary Diploma or Certificate and 3 years of experience in hotel/restaurant management
- Industrial Designer – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR Post-Secondary Diploma or Certificate and 3 years of experience
- Interior Designer – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR Post-Secondary Diploma or Certificate and 3 years of experience
- Land Surveyor – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR state, provincial, or federal license
- Landscape Architect – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Lawyer (Including Notary in the Province of Quebec) – LL.B., J.D., LL.L., B.C.L. or Licenciatura Degree (5 years) OR membership in a state or provincial bar
- Librarian – M.L.S. or B.L.S. (for which another Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree was a prerequisite)
- Management Consultant – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR equivalent professional experience established by statement or professional credential attesting to 5 years of experience as a management consultant OR 5 years of experience in a field of specialty related to the consulting agreement
- Mathematician (Including Statistician) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Range Manager/Range Conservationist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Research Assistant – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Scientific Technician/Technologist – No degree required; must directly support a degreed professional; must possess theoretical knowledge in agricultural sciences, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, forestry, geology, geophysics, meteorology, or physics; and the ability to solve practical problems or apply principles in those disciplines
- Social Worker – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Sylviculturist (Including Forestry Specialist) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Technical Publications Writer – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR Post-Secondary Diploma or Certificate and 3 years of experience
- Urban Planner (Including Geographer) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Vocational Counselor – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Medical Fields
- Dentist – D.D.S., D.M.D., Doctor en Odontologia or Doctor en Cirugia Dental OR state or provincial license
- Dietician – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR state or provincial license
- Medical Laboratory Technologist/Medical Technologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR Post-Secondary Diploma or Certificate and 3 years of experience
- Nutritionist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Occupational Therapist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR state or provincial license
- Pharmacist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR state or provincial license
- Physician (Teaching or Research Only) – M.D. or Doctor en Medicina OR state or provincial license
- Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree OR state or provincial license
- Psychologist – Licenciatura Degree OR state or provincial license
- Recreational Therapist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Registered Nurse – Licenciatura Degree OR state or provincial license
- Veterinarian – D.V.M., D.M.V. or Doctor en Veterinaria OR state or provincial license
Scientist Occupations
- Agriculturalist (Including Agronomist) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Animal Breeder – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Animal Scientist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Apiculturist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Astronomer – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Biochemist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Biologist (Including Plant Pathologist) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Chemist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Dairy Scientist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Entomologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Epidemiologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Geneticist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Geochemist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Geologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Geophysicist (Including Oceanographer) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Horticulturist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Meteorologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Pharmacologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Physicist (Including Oceanographer) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Plant Breeder – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Poultry Scientist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Soil Scientist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Zoologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Teacher Occupations
- College Teacher – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Seminary Teacher – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- University Teacher – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
6. You Must Meet the Educational and Professional Requirements
To qualify for a TN visa, you must satisfy the educational and professional requirements for the proposed US job. For each of the professions listed on the TN occupation list, there are specific educational and professional requirements as outlined in the list above.
7. You Must Have Non-Immigrant Intent
To qualify for a TN visa, you must have nonimmigrant intent. Specifically, you must be seeking temporary entry to the United States. This means that you should not have the intent to permanently reside in the United States.
In order to satisfy this requirement, you should demonstrate that your US job will be temporary. Additionally, you should show that you have a foreign residence abroad, that you will maintain your foreign residence, and that you have strong ties to your foreign residence.
You can demonstrate strong ties to your foreign residence by showing that you have obligations, commitments, property, bank accounts, family, and other ties in your home country. Feel free to email me directly at contact@ashoorilaw.com to discuss how to document your nonimmigrant intent.
8. Conclusion
The TN visa is a powerful option for citizens of Canada and Mexico to live and work in the United States. There are 5 main TN visa requirements:
- You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
- You must have a job offer to work in the United States
- Your proposed US job must be listed on the TN Occupation List
- You must possess the educational and professional requirements for the proposed US job
- You must have nonimmigrant intent
If you have any questions about the TN visa or if you need help with getting your TN visa, email me directly at contact@ashoorilaw.com. I would be happy to walk you through the TN visa process and answer your questions.
Ashoori Law is a Los Angeles based immigration law firm focused on employment-based immigration.
9. Related Resources
If you are exploring TN visa requirements or related immigration topics, the following resources from Ashoori Law may be helpful:
TN Visa Guides:
Comparing Visas:
Employment-Based Green Cards:
Service Pages:
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What are the TN visa requirements?
There are 5 main TN visa requirements: you must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico; you must have a job offer from a US employer; your proposed job must be listed on the TN occupation list; you must meet the educational and professional requirements for that specific profession; and you must have nonimmigrant intent, meaning you intend temporary entry only and have strong ties to your home country.
Who qualifies for a TN visa?
Only citizens of Canada and Mexico qualify for the TN visa under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) agreement. Lawful permanent residents of Canada or Mexico who are not citizens do not qualify. The TN visa is also limited to specific professions listed on the TN occupation list.
What professions are on the TN occupation list?
The TN occupation list includes professions in general fields (such as accountant, architect, engineer, computer systems analyst, management consultant), medical fields (such as dentist, pharmacist, registered nurse, physician for teaching or research only), scientist occupations (such as biologist, chemist, geologist), and teacher occupations (college, seminary, and university teachers). See the full list in Section 5 above for complete details and educational requirements.
Does the TN visa allow self-employment?
No. The TN visa requires a job offer from a qualifying US employer. It does not permit self-employment, working as a sole proprietor, or working for a company that you own entirely. You must have an actual employer-employee relationship with a US company.
How long is the TN visa valid and can it be extended?
The TN visa is initially granted for 3 years. It can be extended in 3-year increments without limit, as long as the TN visa requirements continue to be satisfied and you maintain nonimmigrant intent.
Does the TN visa lead to a green card?
No, the TN visa is a nonimmigrant visa and does not directly lead to a green card. However, TN visa holders may be able to pursue a green card through other pathways such as employer sponsorship (EB2 or EB3) or self-petition options. Note that the TN visa requires nonimmigrant intent, so pursuing a green card while on TN status requires careful planning. See our TN visa to green card guide for more details.
What educational requirements do I need for the TN visa?
The educational requirements vary by profession. Most TN professions require at least a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree in a relevant field. Some professions allow a combination of a post-secondary certificate and years of experience. A few professions require specific professional licenses. See the full occupation list in Section 5 for the specific requirements for each profession.
What is nonimmigrant intent for the TN visa?
Nonimmigrant intent means that you must intend to enter the US temporarily and not intend to permanently reside here. To demonstrate nonimmigrant intent, you should show that your US job is temporary, that you have a foreign residence you intend to maintain, and that you have strong ties to your home country such as property, family, bank accounts, and other obligations.
Can a management consultant qualify for a TN visa?
Yes. Management consultants are on the TN occupation list. To qualify, you must have a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree, or alternatively have equivalent professional experience established by a statement or professional credential attesting to 5 years of experience as a management consultant, or 5 years of experience in a field of specialty related to the consulting agreement. See our TN visa management consultant guide for more details.
Should I hire an immigration lawyer for my TN visa application?
Working with an experienced immigration attorney is strongly recommended, especially for professions where meeting the educational or experience requirements may not be straightforward, or when documenting nonimmigrant intent. An attorney can help you assess your eligibility, prepare the necessary documentation, and advise on how to handle your TN visa application at the port of entry or consulate. Feel free to reach out to Ashoori Law at contact@ashoorilaw.com or schedule a consultation.
About the Author
Michael Ashoori, Esq.
President, Ashoori Law
Michael Ashoori is a U.S. immigration lawyer and the founder of Ashoori Law. Mr. Ashoori focuses his legal practice on helping individuals, families, working professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States. He also represents US employers sponsoring foreign workers for temporary visas or lawful permanent residence.
The son of immigrant parents, Mr. Ashoori has a deep understanding and appreciation for the benefits of U.S. immigration. He has assisted over 1,226 clients from around the world.
Mr. Ashoori received his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from UCLA School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from UCLA.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and USCIS policies are subject to change. The information on this page may not reflect the most current legal developments. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified immigration attorney. You are welcome to contact Ashoori Law directly at contact@ashoorilaw.com.
Michael Ashoori, Esq.
President of Ashoori Law
I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.
Since starting my law firm, I’ve helped thousands of people from all over the world with their immigration needs. I’m very passionate, hard-working, and committed to my clients.
Got a question? Send me an email.