TN Visa Lawyer in Chicago: TN Status for Canadian and Mexican Professionals

The TN visa (technically, TN nonimmigrant status) is a fast, practical option for many Canadian and Mexican professionals who have a U.S. job offer in a qualifying USMCA (NAFTA) profession.
This page explains who qualifies, how the process works, what documents matter most, and common problems that cause delays or denials.

Looking for an overview of other temporary visa options? See our Non-Immigrant Visas page.

What Is TN Status?

TN status is a work-authorized immigration classification for certain professionals who are citizens of Canada or Mexico and who will work in the United States in a qualifying professional role.
For official background, see USCIS: TN USMCA Professionals.

TN status is generally granted in up to three-year increments and may be renewed, as long as you continue to meet the requirements and maintain nonimmigrant intent.

Who Qualifies for a TN Visa?

• Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (permanent residence is not enough).
• Qualifying profession: The U.S. job must fit within a USMCA-listed professional category.
• Job offer: You must have a U.S. employer (TN is not a self-petition and is not designed for “self-employment”).
• Credentials: You must meet the category’s degree/licensure requirements and be able to document them.
• Temporary intent: TN is not a dual-intent category. You must be prepared to show you intend to comply with TN’s temporary framework.

If your title does not perfectly match the category name, the case can still succeed, but the job duties and credential match must be carefully framed.

How the TN Process Works: Canadians vs. Mexicans

Canadian Citizens

Most Canadian citizens apply directly at a U.S. port of entry (or preclearance) with the TN support package and are adjudicated on the spot.

For practical entry guidance, see CBP: Canadian and Mexican Citizens.

In some situations, it can also be appropriate to use a USCIS filing strategy (for example, certain change-of-status or extension scenarios).

Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens generally must obtain a TN visa stamp through a U.S. consulate before seeking admission in TN status at the border/airport.

See Department of State: TN (USMCA) Professional Workers.

The documentary package still matters because the consular interview often turns on the same issues: category fit, duties, and credentials.

The TN Support Letter: What USCIS and CBP Want to See

A strong TN case is usually won or lost on the employer support letter and supporting evidence. The letter should be consistent, detailed, and credible.

Common components include:

• Employer details: company name, location, business description, and supervisor contact information
• Position details: title, worksite, compensation, and proposed TN period
• Professional category: the specific USMCA category and why the role fits
• Detailed job duties: duties written at a professional level (not generic HR bullets)
• Credential match: why the candidate’s degree/licensure meets the category requirements
• Employer-employee structure: who supervises the work and how the role fits the organization

For additional official guidance on TN adjudications, see the USCIS Policy Manual: Volume 2, Part P (TN).

What Documents Do You Typically Need?

• Proof of citizenship (passport)
• Employer support letter (core document)
• Degree(s), transcripts, and professional licenses (as applicable)
• Resume/CV
• Evidence supporting the professional role (offer letter, organizational chart, project description, etc.)
• If the degree is not clearly U.S.-equivalent, a credential evaluation may be appropriate

TN Timing, Renewals, and Employer Changes

• Timing: TN can be fast, but speed depends on preparation. Rushed letters and mismatched duties are common denial triggers.
• Renewals/extensions: Often possible in three-year increments, provided the role and eligibility remain consistent.
• Change of employer: TN is employer-specific. If you change employers, you generally need a new TN strategy before starting work with the new employer.

Spouses and Children: TD Status

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible for TD status. TD dependents may study in the U.S.
However, TD work authorization is generally not available, so family planning and timing can be important.

Common TN Problems (and How We Address Them)

• Job category mismatch: The duties read like a non-qualifying role or a lower-level position.
• “Computer Systems Analyst” issues: The job is described like software developer/engineer without a clean analyst narrative.
• Management Consultant scrutiny: The role is really a regular employee position or lacks true consulting characteristics.
• Self-employment concerns: Ownership/control can raise questions about whether the employer is truly directing the work.
• Prior immigration history: Past overstays, denials, status violations, or inconsistent filings can increase risk.
• Immigrant intent concerns: TN is not dual-intent; timing and strategy matter if you also have longer-term plans.

Why Work With a TN Visa Lawyer?

Many TN denials happen because the case is presented as “obvious” when it is actually document-dependent. Effective TN representation focuses on:

• Choosing the best-fitting TN category based on actual duties and credentials
• Drafting a support letter that is accurate, detailed, and aligned with USMCA requirements
• Preparing the supporting record so it withstands CBP/consular scrutiny
• Reducing risk created by job-title confusion, vague duties, or inconsistent documentation

Talk to a Chicago TN Visa Lawyer

If you are a Canadian or Mexican professional with a U.S. job offer, we can assess category fit, identify weak points, and build a clean TN support package.

Official TN resources

• USCIS: TN USMCA Professionals
• USCIS Policy Manual: TN (USMCA Professionals), Part P
• CBP: Canadian and Mexican Citizens Traveling on a TN
• Department of State: TN (USMCA) Professional Workers
• eCFR: 8 C.F.R. § 214.6 (TN)
• USMCA Text: Chapter 16 (Temporary Entry for Business Persons)

TN Visa FAQ

Is TN the same thing as a visa?

People commonly say “TN visa,” but TN is a work-authorized immigration classification. Mexican citizens typically need a TN visa stamp to seek admission in TN status. Canadian citizens often apply directly at the port of entry.

How long can TN last?

TN is commonly granted in up to three-year increments and can be renewed if you continue to qualify.

Can I switch employers on TN?

TN is employer-specific. You generally need a new TN strategy before starting work for a different employer.

Can my spouse work in TD status?

TD dependents may study in the U.S., but work authorization is generally not available for TD spouses.

Do I need a lawyer for TN?

Not legally required, but many cases benefit from counsel—especially when the job title does not perfectly match the category name, the duties are specialized, or there is prior immigration history.