10 Tips on How To Apply for a TN Visa

May 15, 2025

May 15, 2025

Are you an employer looking to bring skilled Canadian or Mexican professionals into your workforce? The TN visa (under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA) can be an efficient and cost-effective solution. But like any employment-based immigration process, there are rules, requirements, and timelines to navigate when you apply for TN status.

At Panteva Law Group, we understand how crucial it is for companies to access top talent quickly and lawfully. In this blog, our TN visa lawyer shares 10 helpful tips on how to apply for a TN visa. But first, what is a TN visa?

What Is a TN Visa?

The TN visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the United States under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). As a Canadian or Mexican citizen, you may be eligible for a TN visa if you have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specific professional occupation.

The TN visa is a temporary visa with an initial validity of up to three years. It can be renewed indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

1. Understand Who Qualifies for a TN Visa

Before moving forward, confirm whether the position and the candidate are eligible. The TN visa is only available to individuals with Canadian or Mexican citizenship working in certain professions listed in the USMCA agreement.

Many professions require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum educational qualification, which cannot be substituted with work experience, highlighting its importance for noncitizens seeking to work in the U.S.

2. Have a Clear Job Offer Letter

The employment offer letter is one of the most critical pieces of the TN visa application. This letter must:

Specify the professional capacity of the position
Describe the duties and purpose
Detail the length of the assignment (up to 3 years)
Outline the compensation
Be signed by an authorized company representative

A TN visa immigration lawyer can help make sure your letter meets all TN visa standards.

3. Get the Right Legal Support Early

Navigating U.S. immigration law can be complex. Having a TN visa lawyer involved from the beginning can help prevent errors that cause delays or denials.

At Panteva Law Group, we apply dedication, compassion, and responsibility to every TN visa case. Because Attorney Panteva’s roots come from a family of immigrants, we treat your goals like they’re our own.

4. Know the Different Processes for Canadians and Mexicans

For Canadians, applying for a TN visa can happen directly at a U.S. port of entry or pre-approved through USCIS if the applicant is already in the U.S. Mexican citizens must obtain a TN visa at a U.S. consulate before entering the U.S.

Your immigration strategy may vary based on nationality, so working with a TN visa immigration lawyer is key to crafting the right approach.

5. Prepare Thorough Documentation

Along with the job offer letter, applicants must provide the following documentation:

Proof of citizenship
Academic credentials (degree certificates, evaluations if earned outside North America)
Licensure, if the profession requires it
Résumé and other supporting documents

Missing documents or vague language in the job description can lead to denials or a need for clarification.

6. Be Strategic About the Start Date

Many companies assume they can onboard a TN visa holder immediately. But depending on the case specifics, there may be delays in processing or travel. Build enough time between the offer and the start date to avoid disruptions to your business operations. Obtaining the approval notice before setting the start date is recommended to prevent legal issues.

7. Know When to Use USCIS vs. Border Processing

If your prospective hire is already in the U.S. and is of a different status (e.g., student or tourist), you’ll need to file a Form I-129 with USCIS for a change of status. If they’re outside the U.S., they may apply directly at the border or a consulate.

8. Plan for Renewals Early

A TN visa status is initially granted for up to 3 years but can be renewed indefinitely in 1-3 year increments, as long as the position and employee remain eligible. We recommend starting the renewal process several months in advance, especially if the employee will be filing through USCIS.

9. Know the Limits of the TN Visa

While the TN visa is ideal for many professional roles, it does not lead directly to a green card and dual intent, meaning applicants must show their intent to return home, known as “non-immigrant intent.”

If long-term sponsorship is part of your plan, talk to an immigration attorney about future options like H-1B or permanent residency.

10. Understand TD Status for Dependents

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of TN visa holders may be eligible for TD nonimmigrant status as a family member. TD visa holders can live in the U.S. but are not permitted to work. However, they can pursue educational opportunities.

The TD status lasts as long as the principal TN visa holder maintains their status. If the TN status expires, the TD status expires as well.

Bonus Tip: Work With a Firm That Understands Your Goals

Immigration is about more than paperwork—it’s about people. Whether hiring one new professional or building a whole team, hire a firm that will help your business grow through lawful, ethical immigration strategies.

At Panteva Law Group, we bring:

Compassion – Attorney Panteva’s family and community were built by strong immigrants. Due to this background, our firm treats each client’s situation as if it were our own.
Dedication – We do not take a case unless we are convinced it will be approved. Once we take a case, we dedicate unlimited time and resources to achieving a favorable outcome.
Responsibility – Our firm understands the responsibility we have toward our clients and their futures that hang in the balance. We strive to obtain and keep our clients’ trust.
Innovation – Immigration is a constantly changing field of law. We stay on top of new developments and apply them creatively to cases we handle.
Customized service – We work with our clients the way they want to work with us. We listen to their goals and concerns and create a customized plan to fit their needs.

Need Help Bringing a Professional to Your Team?

If you’re wondering how to apply for a TN visa or need guidance from a trusted TN visa lawyer, Panteva Law Group is here to help. From the start, we tailor every strategy to your company’s goals. Our team brings a unique blend of compassion, dedication, and responsibility to every case. We are devoted to our clients and aggressively pursue every option available to you.

Are you searching for “employment immigration lawyer near me?” Look no further. Panteva Law Group offers modern, customized immigration strategies with the reliability of a traditional law firm. Let’s work together to get your new hire on board. Contact us today at (312) 210-0741(312) 210-0741 or complete our online form for a free assessment with our intake specialist.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Panteva Law Group, LLC
444 W Lake Street, Suite 1700
Chicago IL, 60606
(312) 210-0741(312) 210-0741
https://www.panteva.com/