Headman Law Group represents TN Visa — USMCA Professionals clients in San Francisco — supporting Bay Area founders, researchers, and tech professionals. U.S. immigration law is federal, so we guide San Francisco-area clients through the same proven process we use nationwide — most steps handled by video and secure document exchange, with no need to visit an office.
What Is the TN Visa?
The TN category was created by the North American Free Trade Agreement and continues under its successor, the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). It allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the United States in specific professional occupations for a U.S. employer, or in some cases a foreign employer with a U.S. client.
TN is attractive because it is fast, relatively inexpensive, and renewable without limit while the qualifying role continues. Unlike the H-1B, there is no annual cap or lottery. The key requirements are citizenship of Canada or Mexico, a job offer in a profession on the USMCA list, and the credentials that profession requires.
What the TN Provides
- Work authorization for a qualifying USMCA profession.
- No annual cap and no lottery, unlike the H-1B.
- Admission or approval in increments of up to three years.
- Indefinite renewals while the role and eligibility continue.
- Fast processing — Canadians may apply at the border.
- Dependent TD status for a spouse and children.
TN Eligibility
TN status turns on nationality, the profession, and your qualifications for it.
Canadian or Mexican Citizenship
You are a citizen of Canada or Mexico. Permanent residents of those countries do not qualify on that basis alone.
Qualifying Profession
The position is on the USMCA list of professions — for example, engineer, scientist, accountant, attorney, or various health and education roles.
Required Credentials
You hold the degree, license, or experience the USMCA specifies for that profession.
U.S. Job Offer
You have a job offer from a U.S. employer (or a qualifying arrangement) for a role that genuinely requires a TN professional.
Temporary Intent
You intend to work temporarily, though TN can be renewed for as long as the qualifying employment continues.
The TN Process
How you obtain TN status depends on whether you are Canadian or Mexican.
Confirm Profession & Credentials
We verify the role fits a USMCA profession and that your degree, license, or experience meets the requirement for it.
Employer Support Letter
We prepare a detailed support letter describing the position, why it qualifies, the terms of employment, and your credentials.
Apply at the Border or Consulate
Canadian citizens may apply for TN admission directly at a U.S. port of entry; Mexican citizens apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate first. Employers can also petition with USCIS.
Maintain & Renew
TN status is granted in increments of up to three years and can be renewed at the border, the consulate, or through USCIS as the role continues.
Common Supporting Documents
The exact set varies, but most TN cases include the following.
Applicant
- Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship
- Degrees, transcripts, and credential evaluations
- Professional licenses where required
- Detailed résumé or CV
Employer
- Support letter describing the TN role
- Confirmation the position is a USMCA profession
- Terms of employment and duration
Frequently Asked Questions
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