Ruth Haines
Canadian and Mexican citizens can apply for a TN visa to temporarily enter the US to work at a professional level. While Mexican citizens must apply for a TN visa stamp at a US embassy or consulate, Canadian citizens can apply for a TN visa at a designated Port of Entry or preclearance facility, including certain international airports. This means that, yes, Canadians can obtain a TN visa through an international airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs to apply for a TN visa? | Mexican citizens |
| Who is exempt from applying for a TN visa? | Canadian citizens |
| Where can Mexican citizens apply for a TN visa? | U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico |
| Where can Canadian citizens apply for a TN visa? | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)-designated U.S. ports of entry, pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection stations, or at a U.S. airport after entry from abroad |
| What documents are required for Mexican citizens? | Evidence of Mexican citizenship, a letter offering employment, educational credentials, and licenses necessary to practice the profession. |
| What documents are required for Canadian citizens? | Evidence of Canadian citizenship, a letter offering employment, educational credentials, and licenses necessary to practice the profession. |
| What is the fee for a TN visa? | $56 |
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What You'll Learn
TN visa requirements for Canadian citizens
The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the United States as professionals in prearranged professional-level business activities for US or foreign employers. It is important to note that permanent residents of Canada and Mexico cannot apply for TN visas.
Canadian citizens residing outside the United States are not required to apply for a TN visa at a US consulate. They can instead present the required documentation to a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at certain CBP-designated US ports of entry or at a designated pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station. The documentation includes:
- A letter from the prospective employer detailing the professional capacity in which the applicant will work in the US, the purpose of their employment, the length of their stay, and their educational qualifications.
- A credentials evaluation (if applicable), together with any applicable fees.
- Original diplomas, academic transcripts, and a professional license (if required).
- An original, signed letter from the US employer.
Canadian citizens can also apply for TN admission at a designated Port of Entry or preclearance facility. Applicants for TN admission will always be routed through "secondary inspection" for processing and should be prepared to wait for an officer to become available. If their application is successful, they will have to pay a $56 TN fee.
Spouses and unmarried minor children of TN nonimmigrants may be eligible for TD nonimmigrant status. They are not permitted to work in the US but are permitted to study. They must be able to show their ability to be financially supported while in the US. Canadian citizen spouses and children do not need visas but should review the CBP website for port-of-entry requirements.
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TN visa requirements for Mexican citizens
The TN visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows eligible Mexican citizens to work in the United States as USMCA professionals in prearranged professional-level business activities for US or foreign employers.
To be eligible for a TN visa, Mexican citizens must meet the following requirements:
- Have a prearranged full-time or part-time job offer from a US employer. Self-employment is not permitted.
- Have the qualifications, including education requirements or experience, to practice the profession in question. A bachelor's degree is typically required.
- Apply for the visa at a US embassy or consulate in Mexico. The process may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, so it is important to check their website for instructions.
- Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, and print the application form confirmation page to bring to the interview.
- Provide a photograph that meets the specified requirements. A photo is not required if applying in Mexico.
- Attend an interview with a consular officer, who will determine whether the applicant is qualified to receive a visa.
- Provide proof of the anticipated length of appointment or employment, not exceeding three years.
- Provide proof of remuneration during the requested time period, such as an annual salary.
- Comply with all applicable laws and licensing requirements for the activity in which they will be engaged.
- Provide proof of degree, such as an original diploma or degree certificate. A printout of an original transcript is also recommended.
- Provide original diplomas, academic transcripts, and a professional license, if required.
- Obtain a letter from the US employer detailing the professional capacity in which the applicant will work, the purpose of their employment, their length of stay, and their educational qualifications.
- Pay any applicable inspection fees.
Once the TN visa stamp is issued, Mexican citizens can enter the US at a CBP-designated port of entry or airport of their choice. They will need to present their passport with the TN visa stamp, Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, and all supporting documentation. They may also need to provide fingerprints and a photograph and clearly explain their reason for entering the US in TN status.
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Ports of entry for Canadians
Canadian citizens can apply for a TN visa at designated U.S. ports of entry or preclearance facilities. This includes land border ports of entry, pre-flight clearance at Canadian airports, and airports in the U.S. after entry from abroad.
Ports of Entry
Canadian citizens can apply for TN status at designated U.S. ports of entry or preclearance facilities. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has designated specific ports of entry for optimized processing of first-time Canadian TN applicants. There are fourteen total ports, including four preclearance locations. While Canadians can still go to any port of entry along the Canadian border, using one of the designated ports ensures a more efficient application process.
Pre-flight Clearance at Canadian Airports
Canadians can apply for a TN visa at pre-flight clearance locations at major Canadian airports. Examples include Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, and Vancouver International Airport. It is important to note that you can only apply for a TN visa at pre-flight clearance on the day of your flight, and you must notify the CBP officer that you wish to apply. If your application is approved, you are considered admitted to the U.S. and will not go through another inspection when you arrive in the country.
Airports in the U.S.
Canadian citizens can also apply for a TN visa at airports in the U.S. after arriving on a flight from outside the country. It is important to note that this option is only available if you have just entered the U.S. via a flight originating from outside the country. When applying at a U.S. airport, you will go through the standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection process, and you can notify the CBP officer that you wish to apply for a TN visa.
Required Documentation
When applying for a TN visa at a port of entry or preclearance facility, Canadian citizens must present the required documentation to the CBP officer. This includes a letter from the prospective U.S. employer detailing the professional capacity, purpose of employment, length of stay, and educational qualifications. Canadian citizens should also carry original diplomas, academic transcripts, and a professional license if required.
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Airports with pre-flight clearance for Canadians
Canadian citizens can apply for TN status at a designated Port of Entry or preclearance facility. This includes certain CBP-designated U.S. ports of entry or a designated pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station.
Preclearance facilities streamline border procedures, reduce congestion at ports of entry, and facilitate travel into U.S. airports that may not be equipped to handle international travellers. They have been in operation since 1952 and are now available at eight major Canadian international airports, one seaport, and several other seaports and one rail station in British Columbia with "pre-inspection" facilities.
The following airports have pre-clearance facilities:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Calgary International Airport
- Belfast International Airport (planned)
- King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah (planned)
- Gimhae International Airport (planned)
There are 15 preclearance sites worldwide, and four preclearance locations for Canadian citizens. It is important to note that pre-cleared individuals can still be required to clear U.S. immigration and customs upon landing in the U.S.
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Required documents for TN visa application
The TN visa is a nonimmigrant USMCA Professional visa that allows eligible citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the United States as USMCA professionals in prearranged professional-level business activities for US or foreign employers.
- A valid passport.
- A visa interview confirmation page and photo (unless applying in Mexico).
- Original diplomas, academic transcripts, and a professional license (if required).
- Original, signed letter from the US employer detailing the professional capacity in which the applicant will work in the US, the purpose of their employment, their length of stay, and their educational qualifications.
- A credentials evaluation (if applicable), together with any applicable fees.
- Proof of licensure to practice a given profession in the US (optional, but recommended).
- Job offer letter and other supporting documentation.
- Copy of the Form I-129 and all supporting documentation submitted to the USCIS.
- Copy of the most recent Form I-94 and any other relevant immigration documents (if previously in the US).
- Copy of the NAFTA TN Occupation List showing the requested category.
- Statement that the purpose of entry to the US is temporary.
- Proof that you can financially support your family in the US (if applicable).
It is important to note that Mexican citizens must apply for a TN visa stamp at a US embassy or consulate before entering the US, while Canadian citizens can apply for TN admission at designated Ports of Entry or preclearance facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
The TN nonimmigrant classification permits qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in business activities at a professional level.
Yes, Canadian citizens can obtain a TN visa at a pre-clearance location at an airport in Canada or at an airport in the US after entry from abroad. However, it is important to note that you can only apply for a TN visa at a pre-flight clearance location on the day of your flight. Some examples of airports with pre-clearance locations include Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, and Vancouver International Airport.
As a Canadian citizen, you are exempt from the need for an entry visa in your passport for TN purposes. However, you will need to present the following documents when applying for a TN visa:
- Evidence of Canadian citizenship
- A letter offering employment under the terms of the TN program
- Educational credentials and licenses necessary to practice the profession that is appropriate to the TN visa
