TN visa: requirements and professions (Mexicans and Canadians)
Updated on 7/15/2026
The TN is the work visa created by the USMCA trade agreement (formerly NAFTA) — exclusive to citizens of Mexico and Canada. Among all U.S. work visas it is the fastest and cheapest: no lottery, no annual cap, indefinitely renewable.
The catch is the list: it only covers professions defined in the agreement, and almost all of them require a university degree in the field.
Live numbers from official records364,447 jobs with verified sponsorship in the portal · 120,863 employers with government-approved history (DOL) · refreshed daily
Requirements
The TN requires three things:
- Mexican or Canadian citizenship (residency does not count — you must be a citizen).
- A profession on the USMCA list: engineers, accountants, registered nurses (RN), scientists, university professors, systems analysts, scientific technicians, among ~60 categories.
- A job offer from a U.S. employer in the listed profession, with a letter detailing role, duration and salary.
Why it is the fastest path
Canadians apply right at the border or airport, with an on-the-spot decision. Mexicans apply at the consulate, in weeks — not months. There is no lottery (unlike the H-1B), no cap, and renewals in periods of up to 3 years can repeat without limit. For Mexican registered nurses, it is by far the most used route into U.S. hospitals.
Mind the visa's nature: the TN is a non-immigrant visa not designed to become a green card — those seeking permanent residency typically move from TN into an employer-sponsored EB-2/EB-3 process.
Free account — real openings with sponsorship proven by public records.
Frequently asked questions
What are the TN visa requirements?
Mexican or Canadian citizenship, a profession on the USMCA list (most require a degree in the field) and a U.S. job offer with a detailed letter.
Which professions qualify for TN?
About 60 categories: engineers, accountants, registered nurses (RN), scientists, systems analysts, university professors, scientific technicians, architects, lawyers, among others.
Does the TN have a lottery or cap?
No — no lottery and no annual cap. Canadians get a border decision; Mexicans via consulate in weeks. Renewable without limit.
Can TN become a green card?
The TN was not designed for that — it is non-immigrant. The common route is the employer opening an EB-2/EB-3 process while you work on TN.