TN USMCA Professional Visa
For Canadian and Mexican professionals in qualifying occupations under the USMCA agreement.
The TN USMCA Professional Visa is a US work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~US$56 application at a port of entry (Canadians); ~US$185 visa fee for Mexicans) and processing time (~Same day at the border for Canadians; weeks for Mexican consular applicants), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the TN USMCA Professional Visa is for
For Canadian and Mexican professionals in qualifying occupations under the USMCA agreement.
No dual intent; pursuing a green card requires switching to a dual-intent category.
TN USMCA Professional Visa - eligibility criteria
- Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
- Work in a profession listed in the USMCA appendix
- Hold the required degree or credentials for that profession
- Have a pre-arranged US employer and job offer
- Intend a temporary stay
TN USMCA Professional Visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the TN USMCA Professional Visa (United States) is ~US$56 application at a port of entry (Canadians); ~US$185 visa fee for Mexicans, with an indicative processing time of ~Same day at the border for Canadians; weeks for Mexican consular applicants. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Canadians at the border/airport; Mexicans at a US consulate |
| Length of stay | Up to 3 years per entry, renewable indefinitely |
| Work rights | Work for the sponsoring employer in a listed profession |
| Study rights | Incidental study permitted; not a study visa |
| Government fee | ~US$56 application at a port of entry (Canadians); ~US$185 visa fee for Mexicans |
| Processing time | ~Same day at the border for Canadians; weeks for Mexican consular applicants |
| Route to PR | No dual intent; pursuing a green card requires switching to a dual-intent category. |
Pathway & next steps
No dual intent; pursuing a green card requires switching to a dual-intent category.
Many applicants also compare H-1B · H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa, E-3 · E-3 Specialty Occupation Visa (Australians), L-1A · L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager/Executive). Run a free VisaChief check to see which US route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common TN USMCA Professional Visa pitfalls we fix
TN USMCA Professional Visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the TN USMCA Professional Visa cost?
The TN USMCA Professional Visa government fee is ~US$56 application at a port of entry (Canadians); ~US$185 visa fee for Mexicans. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) before applying.
How long does the TN USMCA Professional Visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~Same day at the border for Canadians; weeks for Mexican consular applicants. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the TN USMCA Professional Visa lead to permanent residence?
No dual intent; pursuing a green card requires switching to a dual-intent category.
Can I work on the TN USMCA Professional Visa?
Work rights: Work for the sponsoring employer in a listed profession.
Who can apply for the TN USMCA Professional Visa?
For Canadian and Mexican professionals in qualifying occupations under the USMCA agreement.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United States government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) - official United States immigration authority