The TN Visa, under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) now the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the U.S. in prearranged business activities for U.S. or foreign employers. To qualify, the profession of the applicant must be on the NAFTA/USMCA list, and the applicant must possess the necessary training for that profession.
TN status allows an initial stay of up to three years, but it can be extended indefinitely in three-year increments. The spouse and children of TN visa holders may accompany the principal visa holder in TD status, but they are not permitted to work.
To apply for a TN visa, Canadian citizens, who are generally eligible for admission as nonimmigrants without a visa, can apply at a U.S. port of entry. Mexican citizens, on the other hand, must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.