VisaPalTN USMCA Professionals
Citizens of Canada or Mexico with a prearranged U.S. job in a profession listed in the USMCA. Permanent residence in Canada or Mexico isn't enough; citizenship is required.
Last verified: 2026-09-25
Requirements
- You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
- Your profession must be on the USMCA list.
- The U.S. position must require a USMCA professional.
- You need a prearranged full- or part-time job with a U.S. employer.
- You must have the qualifications to practice the profession.
How long you can stay
Up to 3 years at first. Extensions are possible through an I-129 filing or a new admission.
Timeline
Canadians can apply at certain U.S. ports of entry; Mexicans need a TN visa from a U.S. consulate in Mexico. Employers can also file Form I-129, with premium processing available.
Government fees
| Fee | Amount | Who usually pays |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-129 filing fee (TN, optional route) Only if the employer files with USCIS. $1,015 on paper, $965 online; small employers and nonprofits pay $510. | $1,015 | Employer |
| Asylum Program Fee (with Form I-129) $600 for most employers, $300 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time employees), $0 for nonprofits. | $600 | Employer |
| Premium processing (Form I-907) USCIS acts within 15 business days. The beneficiary can't file it; the petitioner does. | $2,965 | Employer |
| Visa application fee (TN, Mexican citizens) Non-petition-based visa fee. Canadians don't need a TN visa. | $185 | Applicant |
| Spouse/child extension or change to TD (Form I-539) $470 on paper, $420 online. Needed only for family members inside the U.S. | $470 | Applicant |
Spouse & children
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get TD status. They can't work but may study.
Work
TN covers a prearranged job with a specific U.S. employer. A new employer means a new TN application or petition.
Path to a green card
TN is a temporary status. Anyone thinking about a green card should discuss timing with a lawyer first.
Note for Korean applicants
Not available to Korean citizens. Korean professionals in similar jobs often explore H-1B, L-1, E-2 or O-1 instead—confirm with a licensed attorney.
Key documents
- Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship
- Employer letter describing the job, purpose, length of stay and your qualifications
- Degree or license records and a credential evaluation if needed
Common pitfalls
- Korean citizens aren't eligible, even with Canadian or Mexican permanent residence.
- The job must match a listed USMCA profession.
- After a job loss, the 60-day grace period is short, and a proposal would remove it.
Rules in flux
DHS proposes deleting the up-to-60-day grace period in 8 CFR 214.1(l)(2). If finalized, workers would be expected to leave right after their job ends, unless another status applies. It is a proposal only. Today the current rule still applies: up to 60 days, or until your I-94 ends if sooner.
The State Department reviews the online presence of applicants in several visa types and tells them to set all social media profiles to "public". This already applies to F, M, J, H-1B, H-4, K, Q, R and some others. From Oct 1, 2026 it also covers I, TN and TD.
Official sources
- TN USMCA Professionals — USCIS
- Fee Schedule (Form G-1055), edition 09/09/26 — USCIS
- 22 CFR 22.1 — Schedule of fees for consular services — eCFR
- Fees for Visa Services — U.S. Department of State
- 8 CFR 214.1 — Requirements for admission, extension, and maintenance of status — eCFR
General information, not legal advice. Rules change often. Check the official source and talk to a licensed immigration attorney before you act.