Applying for TN Status

Canadian citizens

Most Canadians apply for TN status at either a pre-flight inspection station or a U.S. port of entry and are required to present the documentation referenced under “Documentation Requirements.” Additionally, Canadians must pay a $50 filing fee. They will be issued a Form I-94 stamped with the TN-1 classification.

Mexican citizens

Mexicans must apply for a TN visa stamp at a U.S. consulate and will be required to present: (1) the documentation referenced under “Documentation Requirements,” (2) a completed Form DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application, and (3) applicable visa application fees. Upon presentation of a TN visa stamp at the port of entry, a Mexican citizen will be issued a Form I-94 stamped with the TN-2 classification.

General eligibility criteria

• The applicant must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico. Landed immigrants or permanent residents of these countries are not eligible.
• The applicant must be offered a job by a U.S. employer.
• The occupation in which the applicant will be employed must be included in Appendix 1603.D.1 of the NAFTA treaty, and the applicant must possess the qualifications specified for the occupation.
• The TN employment must be “temporary." The applicant should not have an intention to remain permanently in the United States.