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The Global Insight

Who qualifies for TN visa?

Author

John Hall

Updated on March 06, 2026

Eligibility for NAFTA Professional (TN) Nonimmigrant Status

  1. Applicant is a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
  2. Profession is on the NAFTA list;
  3. Position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional;
  4. Applicant will work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for an employer (see Required Documentation).

Do you need job offer for TN visa?

TN Visa under USMCA for Canadians. You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer before applying for TN status. You cannot apply on your own without such an offer of employment.

How long can you work in the US on a TN visa?

three years
Although current laws and regulations stipulate that you can live and work in the U.S. for three years on a TN visa, immigration officials actually determine the period that your TN visa is valid. This will be determined when you apply and is usually based on the period that your employment in the U.S. will last.

Does an employer have to sponsor a TN visa?

Unlike the H-1B visa, the TN visa doesn’t require sponsorship or petition by an employer. Additionally, there is no cap on TN visas, so there’s no attendant concern related to racing the clock to obtain a visa before the cap is reached.

Can my wife work if I have a TN visa?

According to the law, the child or spouse of a TN visa holder cannot accept employment in the U.S. unless he/she has the authorization to do so. In other words, as a TD visa holder, you aren’t allowed to work in the U.S. To do that, you have to change your status into one that allows you to work in the United States.

Is TN visa better than H1B?

TN Visa Processing Time Since the application process is much simpler, TN visas are processed much faster than H1B visas. TN visas are processed at the port of entry with no other waiting required.

Can I apply for green card while on TN visa?

Can TN visa holders transition to a green card? This is one of the most common questions that TN visa holders ask, especially after they have spent some time in the U.S. The short answer is yes, it is indeed possible to obtain permanent resident status as a TN visa holder.

Can I hire someone with a TN visa?

An employer can hire any qualifying employee under NAFTA to work for them in TN visa status, there is no recruitment requirement, and no requirement to hire qualified US workers. Under NAFTA employers are not required to report to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Can TN visa get green card?

Can TN Get green card?

Although current laws and regulations stipulate that you can live and work in the U.S. for three years on a TN visa, immigration officials actually determine the period that your TN visa is valid. This will be determined when you apply and is usually based on the period that your employment in the U.S. will last.

How long does it take to get an extension for a TN visa?

There are specific time periods and processing times that apply to extension petitions. Your employer cannot file an extension petition before 6 months till the end of your current TN visa. Processing times for this extension can take anything from 2 to 7 months, but fortunately, USCIS has a premium processing service available at additional cost.

Do you have to pay taxes on a TN visa?

The TN visa allows visa holders to stay in the U.S. for up to 3 years, with the option of renewing TN status indefinitely every 3 years. Do TN Visa Holders Pay Taxes in the U.S.? Yes, TN visa holders in the U.S. are liable to pay U.S. taxes. TN visa holders are liable for Medicare and social security taxes regardless of their residency status.

What kind of job can you get with a TN visa?

Common professions eligible for a TN visa include attorneys, accountants, engineers, teachers, and scientists. You can qualify for a TN visa if you are qualified in the relevant field of employment and have a part-time or full-time job offer in the United States.