Publication date: 01.09.2025
What is a TN NAFTA professional visa and what is the end result of the service?
The TN NAFTA Professional Visa (Canada/Mexico) is a special type of work visa that opens the door for Canadian and Mexican citizens to work legally in the United States. It was created specifically for representatives of certain professions under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) agreement - work visa in the USA.
What does this mean in practice? If you meet the requirements, instead of long lotteries and exhausting queues, you get a clear, understandable, and relatively quick path to work in America. The end result for the client is simple and tangible: an official visa and the opportunity to start working for a specific company without unnecessary barriers. In addition, the status can be extended in a transparent and predictable manner.
For the applicant, TN is essentially a short path to employment: a real work visa in the US, which is perfect for dozens of professions and allows you to start your career in a new country as safely and predictably as possible.
Who is this visa suitable for and why is it beneficial?
- Specialists from Canada and Mexico. If you are an engineer, accountant, scientist, IT specialist, architect, pharmacist, or representative of another profession on the official list, TN can be your key to the American labor market.
Candidates with a ready offer from an employer. Do you already have a job offer and the company is waiting for you to start? You need a employment visa. TN allows you to avoid long delays and get started on the project quickly. This is also beneficial for employers — the new employee starts work when needed.
Companies in the US. For businesses, this is a way to fill staffing gaps without complicated procedures and quotas. The TN visa is all about flexibility and speed, especially when you need specialists for a specific period.
For those who value predictability and order in their documents. Our lawyers take the headache off your shoulders: preparing documents, filling out forms, visa processing — everything is taken care of so there are no unpleasant surprises.
For applicants' families. Family members can obtain TD status and live together legally in the US. We explain what is allowed under this status and what is best to avoid, and we help synchronize the timing so that everyone can enter together.
Those who do not want to risk applying on their own. Even a minor mistake in wording can lead to rejection. Professional legal services from Consultant eliminate this risk — we check job offers, verify diplomas with positions, and correct inaccuracies.
For clients who need support during interviews or when crossing the border. We prepare you for questions from officials, monitor the content of cover letters, and are always there to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Question
Is it possible to obtain TN status without a prior visa in your passport?
Answer
Yes, Canadian citizens can apply directly at a US border crossing with a full set of documents. Mexican citizens must complete the visa application process at a US consulate in advance.
Question
Is TN a direct path to a green card?
Answer
No. TN is a non-immigrant status. At the same time, it provides a stable basis for working in the US; if necessary, a long-term migration strategy is discussed separately within the framework of immigration consulting.
Question
Question
How long is TN granted for and can it be extended?
Answer
Initially up to three years with the possibility of repeated extensions, provided that the position, duties, and eligibility requirements are maintained. We explain how to plan your timing correctly to avoid gaps in employment.
Question
Is it possible to change employers or positions while on TN status?
Answer
Yes, but a new application with updated documents is required; any change in essential conditions requires proper re-registration. The consultant prepares the package and monitors compliance with the grounds.
Question
Is self-employment permitted under TN status?
Answer
No. A clear employment relationship with an employer in the US is required. We check the wording in the job offer, the description of duties, and the relevance to the TN specialty.
Question
Can family members work under a TD visa?
Answer
No, TD status gives the right to live and study, but not to work. We explain alternative options for family members.
Question
How does TN differ from H-1B?
Answer
TN does not require a lottery and is often processed faster; at the same time, it is tied to Canadian or Mexican citizenship and to the list of TN professions. During the consultation, we compare routes and select the optimal plan.
Algorithm for providing TN NAFTA Professional Visa (Canada/Mexico) services
- Provision of a legal opinion.
We provide immigration consulting, analyze education, experience, job description, TN profession compliance, assess deadlines and risks, form completion; as a result, the client receives written recommendations and a plan of action.
- Strategy and synchronization with the employer.
We agree on the format of the job offer, job description, and confirmation letter; we check the relevance of diplomas and certificates; as a result, the client and employer have an agreed list of documents and a timeline.
- Document preparation and completion of questionnaires.
We prepare documents; fill out DS-160/other forms; prepare supporting materials (diplomas, experience, certificates); as a result, a complete package is formed without any gaps.
- Application submission and visa processing.
We organize the submission of applications at the consulate for Mexican citizens or prepare for border applications for Canadian citizens; we plan dates, provide instructions on fees and biometrics; as a result, documents are submitted properly and on time.
- Consular support and interviews.
We conduct interview rehearsals, model questions, and check the logic of answers; we provide consular support during the review process; as a result, the chances of a positive decision and obtaining a visa are increased.
- Entry, start of work, family issues.
We explain the rules for crossing the border, confirming the purpose of entry, accompany the family in obtaining a TD; provide instructions on maintaining status; as a result, the client starts working legally and peacefully.
- Extensions and changes.
We prepare a package for TN extension or renewal when changing employers/positions; as a result, the client maintains continuity of status without risk.
Question
Why “Consultant”?
Answer
The Consultant legal marketplace operates as a single team of practitioners from the US, Canada, and Mexico: we provide immigration consulting; we provide full-cycle legal services; we guarantee process control and transparent communication; we set deadlines and anticipate bottlenecks.
For the client, this means: a work visa without chaos, a work visa in the US with a clear logic of actions, visa processing without unnecessary visits, application submission, and visa receipt within the predicted time frame.
This service is suitable for specialists and employers who need to quickly and legally integrate a specialist into their team in the United States. The purpose of ordering from professionals is to reduce the risk of errors, save time, and get a stable result. By ordering visa support from Consultant, you will receive a roadmap, a correctly compiled package of documents, and support until you have a TN visa in your passport and start working.
