Welcome to this comprehensive guide on the TN (Trade NAFTA) status. Whether you're a Canadian or Mexican citizen interested in working in the United States, a U.S. employer considering hiring professionals from these countries, or an immigration lawyer or consultant seeking to understand the U.S. immigration system better, this guide is for you.

The TN status is a nonimmigrant employment visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens who work in specific professional occupations in the United States. Established under the former North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now known as the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement, the TN status allows citizens of these countries to work in the U.S. in one of the 60 NAFTA professions. 

In this guide, we will delve into the [eligibility criteria](https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/tn-nafta-professionals^), application process, and various other aspects related to the TN status. We aim to provide you with all the information you need to understand this visa type, whether you're considering applying for it or just want to learn more about the U.S. immigration system. So, let's get started!

The TN status, short for Trade NAFTA status, is a unique type of nonimmigrant employment visa available to Canadian and Mexican citizens. Its purpose is to facilitate the temporary employment of these citizens in specific professional occupations in the United States.

The TN status was established under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a trilateral trade agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, with the recent replacement of NAFTA by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the TN status now operates under this new agreement. Despite the change in the overarching trade agreement, the provisions of the TN status remain largely unchanged.

One of the key features of the TN status is its list of specific professional occupations. These are the professions that are eligible for the TN status under the USMCA agreement. There are 60 such professions, ranging from accountants, engineers, and lawyers to scientists, teachers, and many more. It's important to note that the job you have been offered in the U.S. must fall under one of these professions to be eligible for the TN status.

In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the eligibility criteria and the application process for the TN status. So, if you're a Canadian or Mexican citizen interested in working in the U.S., or a U.S. employer looking to hire from these countries, keep reading!

Before you can apply for the TN status, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure that the TN status is used for its intended purpose - to allow Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in specific professional occupations in the United States. Here are the key requirements you need to meet:

Remember, meeting these requirements does not guarantee that you will be granted the TN status. The decision is ultimately at the discretion of the U.S. immigration authorities. However, meeting these requirements is the first step towards obtaining the TN status and working in the U.S. in your professional capacity.

Once you've determined that you meet the eligibility criteria for the TN status, the next step is to apply. The application process differs for Canadian and Mexican citizens, so we'll break it down for each group.

As a Canadian citizen, you have two options to apply for the TN status:

As a Mexican citizen, your application process is a bit more involved:

Remember, while these steps outline the general application process, each individual's situation may vary. It's always a good idea to consult with an immigration professional to ensure you're following the correct process for your specific circumstances.

Beyond the application process and eligibility criteria, there are several other aspects of the TN status that you should be aware of. These include provisions for family members, the possibility of extending your TN status, and the potential to transition from a TN visa to a green card.

If you're granted the TN status, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can join you in the U.S. They would apply for the TD (Trade Dependent) status. It's important to note that while your family members can live in the U.S. with you, they are not permitted to work under the TD status.

The TN status is initially granted for a period of up to three years. However, if you wish to continue working in the U.S. beyond this period, you can apply for an extension. There is no limit to the number of times you can extend your TN status, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

While the TN status is a nonimmigrant visa, meaning it's temporary and doesn't provide a direct path to permanent residency, it's possible to transition from a TN visa to a green card. This process involves your U.S. employer sponsoring you for an employment-based green card. It's a complex process and requires careful planning, so it's recommended to consult with an immigration professional if you're considering this path.

These additional aspects of the TN status provide more flexibility and options for you as a TN visa holder. Whether you're planning to bring your family, extend your stay, or even become a permanent resident, the TN status can be a stepping stone to achieving your goals in the U.S.

Comparison of the TN Visa and the H-1B Visa

When considering work authorization in the U.S., it's important to understand the different options available to you. In addition to the TN status, another common type of work authorization is the [H-1B visa](/immigration-resources/h-1b-visa-guide). Let's compare these two options:

The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. These are occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields, such as IT, finance, accounting, architecture, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

While both the TN status and the H-1B visa allow foreign professionals to work in the U.S., there are some key differences:

Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision about which type of work authorization is the best fit for your circumstances and career goals.

What Happens if a TN Visa Holder Loses Their Job

Life can be unpredictable, and job situations can change. If you're in the U.S. on a TN status and you lose your job, it's important to know what steps to take next.

When a TN visa holder loses their job, they have a grace period of 60 days or until the expiration of their current TN status, whichever is shorter. During this grace period, you have a few options:

Losing your job can be a stressful experience, especially when it affects your immigration status. However, knowing your options and taking prompt action can help you navigate this challenging situation. As always, [consulting with an immigration professional](https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser^) can provide valuable guidance and support.

We've covered a lot of ground in this guide, from understanding the TN status and its eligibility criteria to the application process and additional aspects of this nonimmigrant employment visa. We've also compared the TN status with the H-1B visa and discussed what to do if a TN visa holder loses their job.

The TN status offers a unique opportunity for Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in specific professional occupations in the U.S. While the process may seem complex, understanding the requirements and steps involved can make it more manageable.

Whether you're considering applying for the TN status, or you're an employer looking to hire professionals from Canada or Mexico, we hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights into this aspect of the U.S. immigration system.

Remember, while this guide aims to provide comprehensive information, each individual's situation is unique. It's always a good idea to consult with an immigration professional to ensure you're making the best decisions for your specific circumstances.

Thank you for reading, and we wish you the best of luck in your professional journey in the U.S.!

Are you a Canadian or Mexican professional seeking work in the U.S.? The TN status, under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) agreement, allows you to work in one of the 60 NAFTA professions in the U.S. The application process differs for Canadians and Mexicans, and the TN status can be extended indefinitely with eligibility. Family members can join under the TD status, but cannot work. Transitioning from a TN visa to a green card is complex and requires employer sponsorship. If you lose your job, a 60-day grace period is provided to find another job, change your status, or prepare to leave the U.S. Understanding the TN status requirements and processes is important for individuals and employers.

TN Status: A Guide for Canadian and Mexican Professionals Seeking U.S. Employment

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