TN-Trade NAFTA

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) creates special economic and trade relationships for the United States (U.S.), Canada and Mexico. The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows

citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals, to work in the U.S. in a prearranged business activity for a U.S. or foreign employer. Permanent residents, including Canadian permanent residents, are not able to apply to work as a NAFTA professional.

Professionals of Canada or Mexico may work in the U.S. under the following conditions:

• Applicant is a citizen of Canada or Mexico
• Profession is on the NAFTA list
• Position in the U.S. requires a NAFTA professional
• Mexican or Canadian applicant is to work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job, for a U.S. employer
• Self-employment is not permitted
• Professional Canadian or Mexican citizen has the qualifications of the profession.

Canadian citizens usually do not need a visa as a NAFTA Professional, although a visa can be issued to qualified TN visa applicants upon request. A Canadian citizen without a TN visa can apply at a U.S. port of entry. Learn about requirements and more on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Costs for the TN status are covered by the individual.