TN Visa for Canadian Professionals

To qualify for TN Visa : The category "Professionals Under the North American Free Trade Agreement" is available only to citizens of Mexico and Canada. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) a citizen of a NAFTA country may work in a professional occupation in another NAFTA country provided that

1) the profession is on the NAFTA list

2) the alien possesses the specific criteria for that profession

3) the prospective position requires someone in that professional capacity

4) the alien is going to work for a U.S. employer. The spouse and unmarried, minor children of the principal alien are entitled to the derivative status, but they are unable to accept employment in the United States. Aliens entering under this classification are considered non-immigrants.

Citizens of Canada must provide the following at the port of entry:

1. A request for "TN" status

2. A copy of the applicant's college degree and employment records which establish qualification for the prospective job

3. A letter from the alien's prospective U.S.-based employer offering him or her a job in the United States, which is included on the professional job series

4. A fee of U.S. $50.00(subject to change)

Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a visa, but instead receive "TN" status with the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security (BCIS) at the port of entry. The "TN" status will only be granted if the period of stay is temporary.