TN Visa Paperwork & Filing Options

Main Components Of TN Visa Application:

  • The main items needed for an initial TN visa application are:

    • Proof of Canadian / Mexican citizenship (e.g. passport), or valid entry documents (e.g. NEXUS).

    • TN Employer Support Letter that addresses the following:

      • The Support Letter must clearly identify the applicant's TN visa occupational category.

      • The Support Letter must provide a description of the professional activities involved, including a brief summary of daily job duties. The TN applicant’s prospective job duties must be consistent with the job duties generally performed by those in the particular occupation.

      • The Support Letter must demonstrate that the applicant possesses the appropriate educational or alternative credentials for the applicable TN category.

      • The Support Letter must provide the anticipated length of stay (the application may request employment authorization for up to a 3-year period).

      • The Support Letter must describe the applicant's terms of compensation.

      • Support Letters should be printed on company letterhead, addressed to the applicable U.S. immigration office, and have an original signature.

    • Proof of Education and/or Experience.

    • Employer literature (corporate filings, financial statements, printouts of website).

    • I-129 petition (if Canadian citizen applying by mail) / DS-160 application (if Mexican citizen).

    • Applicable government filing fee.

Filing Initial TN Visa Application At Border (Canadians Only):

  • As citizens of Canada are exempt from the visa requirement, they may apply for TN status directly at a U.S. port of entry (POE). 8 CFR 214.6 (d) (2); 22 C.F.R. § 41.2 (a).

  • Citizens of Canada may apply for a TN at 3 locations:

    • U.S. Class A port-of-entry (“POE”)

    • U.S. pre-clearance / pre-flight station (“PFI”)

    • International U.S. Airport (arrivals only). 8 C.F.R. § 100.4 (a).

  • These applications are adjudicated on the spot by USCBP officers.

  • If an individual plans to submit his or her TN application at an airport, that person must apply the same day as his/her flight.

  • Depending on the particular rules of the port-of-entry, an individual who applies for a TN at a land POE may travel back into Canada the same day after approval of the TN. Each POE has its own rule on this issue.

  • Additionally, how far in advance of the start date an individual may file for a TN is often left open to the discretion of the inspecting officer. It may be prudent to contact the POE in advance to determine any POE specific rules.

Filing Initial TN Visa Application By Mail (Canadians Only):

  • In an effort to address the rampant inconsistencies in the adjudication of TN applications at POEs, USCIS announced in October 2012 that Canadian citizens could file an I-129 petition by mail from outside of the U.S. in order to secure an initial TN.

  • In addition to the main components of a TN application, individuals must also file Form I-129 along with the I-129 Free Trade Supplement.

  • The I-129 form with supporting documents is then filed with USCIS' Vermont Service Center (as of May 2023).

  • As processing for an I-129 petition can take several months, many Canadian citizens continue to file their initial applications at a POE in order to obtain their TN status more expeditiously.

  • For an additional filing fee, an individual can apply for premium processing of his/her I-129 petition, and receive a decision on the petition within 15 calendar days.

  • Individuals can check the status of their petition at any time at USCIS' website by entering their receipt number where indicated. Applicants can also sign up through USCIS' website to receive email updates on their petition’s status.

Filing Initial TN Visa Application At U.S. Embassy/Consulate (Mexicans Only):

  • Before applying for admission to the U.S. at one of the designated areas listed above, a citizen of Mexico must first file for a TN visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 8 CFR 214.6 (d) (1).

  • In addition to preparing the main components of a TN application, individuals must first electronically file a DS-160 application.

  • In most cases, applicants will submit their documents at a local Application Support Center, and then an attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy / Consulate.

  • It is important to review the instructions of the U.S. Embassy / Consulate's website for instructions on the application process as procedures may vary.

More Information:

Revised April 29, 2023.