TN visa (USMCA) for Canadians — complete guide

Who can use TN?

TN is for Canadian citizens (Canadian permanent residents are not eligible — they must use H-1B, L-1, etc.). The U.S. role must match a profession on the closed list in Appendix 2 of Annex 16-A USMCA, and the candidate must hold the degree/licence the profession requires.

Cumulative requirements

• Canadian citizenship (valid Canadian passport).
• Profession listed in Appendix 2 USMCA.
• U.S. or Canadian degree at least Bachelor's (or licence) per the profession.
• Written job offer from a U.S. employer or service contract with a U.S. entity.
• The role is temporary in nature (even though TN is indefinitely renewable).

The TN profession list (Appendix 2 of Annex 16-A USMCA)

The list is closed — your profession must appear on it. No substitute is accepted. Partial list of admissible professions:

The full ~60-profession list is in Appendix 2 of Annex 16-A of USMCA Chapter 16 (USTR PDF).

Documents to present at POE

Prepare a complete dossier before the border crossing:

1. Valid Canadian passport (at least 6 months past intended admission date).
2. U.S. employer offer/support letter, on letterhead, mentioning: USMCA profession, expected duration, salary, work location, specific duties tied to the USMCA profession. The letter must affirm temporary nature and that the role matches the USMCA definition.
3. Diploma(s) and transcripts (originals or certified copies). If non-US/Canadian degree, attach a credential evaluation (WES, ECE, or equivalent) confirming U.S. equivalency.
4. Professional licence if the profession requires it (engineer, lawyer, physician, pharmacist, etc.).
5. Resume/CV and proof of relevant experience.
6. I-94 fee ($6) + processing fee ($50) = $56 USD at POE.

POE crossing: how it goes

For a Canadian, TN is requested directly at a designated POE — no consular visa, no mandatory USCIS petition (unless the employer files an optional I-129 in advance). Typical POEs:

• Lacolle / Champlain (QC ↔ NY), Buffalo (ON ↔ NY), Detroit (ON ↔ MI), Pacific Highway (BC ↔ WA).
• Pre-flight inspection at YUL, YYZ, YVR, YOW, YHZ, YYC, YEG, YWG.

Steps at POE

1. Declare to CBP officer: "I am applying for TN admission as a [USMCA profession]."
2. Hand over the dossier (passport, offer letter, diplomas, licence).
3. Secondary inspection if officer wants to verify — can take 30 min to 2 hours.
4. Pay $56 USD (card or cash by POE).
5. Officer issues electronic I-94 with expiration date (up to 3 years).

Keep the printed I-94 or check i94.cbp.dhs.gov before any travel and at hire.

Duration, extension and job changes

Maximum per admission

Up to 3 years per admission, granted at CBP officer discretion based on contract length. If the contract is shorter, the I-94 is aligned to the contract end.

Renewal

Two options:

• Exit and re-enter via POE — repeat the same process with updated employer letter.
• Stay in the U.S. and file Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS — employer signs.

TN is indefinitely renewable as long as the role stays temporary. There's no cumulative cap like H-1B (6 years) or L-1 (5/7 years). However, after multiple renewals, CBP may probe nonimmigrant intent.

Employer change

TN is tied to a specific employer. To change: either I-129 filed by the new employer, or new POE crossing with new offer letter. Work cannot start before approval/admission.

TD status for spouse and children

The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a TN holder get TD (TN Dependent) status. They can study in the U.S. but cannot work on TD. To work, the spouse must obtain their own work status (TN, H-1B, etc.).

TD is requested at the same POE with: passport, certified marriage/birth certificate, and copy of the principal's I-94. Fee $6/person for land I-94.

Tax implications of TN entry

TN is a non-immigrant status. For the IRS, you become a U.S. tax resident if you cross the Substantial Presence Test threshold. For the CRA, departure from Canada must be declared to end Canadian tax residency (otherwise, possible double taxation).

On the Canadian side, plan: departure return (Form NR73 if useful), deemed dispositions on certain assets (final T1), and notification to provincial health insurers to suspend coverage. Provincial details:

2025-2026 context

Several EOs (Executive Orders) of the Trump 2.0 administration have tightened immigration screening generally in 2025: EO 14159 ("Protecting the American People Against Invasion") and EO 14161 (maximum vetting). TN is not specifically restricted by these EOs. However, in practice some POEs are stricter than before on documentation and temporary nature. Preparing your employer letter and dossier well is more important than ever.

Canada is not in the list of 39 countries subject to nonimmigrant entry restrictions.

Mistakes to avoid

• Ambiguous profession: "consultant," "manager," or "business analyst" don't appear as such on the list. Pin down a USMCA profession.
• Foreign degree without evaluation: a French or Swiss degree without evaluation can be refused. Attach a credential evaluation.
• Vague offer letter: must cite USMCA profession, specific duties, duration, salary.
• Immigrant intent: if officer believes you intend permanent immigration, refusal possible. TN requires nonimmigrant intent (can be ambiguous with dual intent — get advice).
• Working before admission: prohibited. Wait for the issued I-94.
• Exit/re-enter during doubt without preparing a new dossier — refusal possible at re-entry.

Official forms mentioned (direct links)

Links to the latest known version as of last review date. Verify you are using the current version before any filing. CanadaFlorida.com is not responsible for your use of these links.

• Form I-129 — Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. USCIS I-129 page
• USMCA Chapter 16 — Temporary Entry, Annex 16-A. USTR PDF
• USCIS — TN USMCA Professionals. USCIS page
• State Department — TN visa Canadian/Mexican professionals. DOS page
• I-94 — verify exit date. i94.cbp.dhs.gov