Key takeaways
- TN is for Canadian and Mexican citizens in professions listed in the USMCA (about 60 job titles)
- Canadians apply at a US port of entry or pre-clearance with a job offer letter and proof of qualifications; no visa stamp needed
- You get up to 3 years at a time and can renew with no lifetime limit
- “Software developer” is not a listed job title; tech workers usually qualify as Computer Systems Analyst or Engineer
- TN is not a “dual intent” status: starting a green card process can cause problems at the border
Who this guide is for
Who this page is for: Canadian citizens with a job offer from a US employer. Canadian permanent residents who are not Canadian citizens cannot use TN. If you are not sure which US status fits, start with moving to the US from Canada.
What is TN status?
TN status comes from the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, called CUSMA in Canada), which replaced NAFTA. It lets citizens of Canada and Mexico work temporarily in the US in certain professional jobs.
- You need a job offer from a US employer (or a foreign employer sending you to work in the US). You cannot be self-employed on TN.
- The job must be in one of the listed professions, and you must meet the education or experience set for it.
- Your stay is granted for up to 3 years. You can extend or re-apply as many times as you like, as long as the stay stays temporary.
- Your spouse and children under 21 can come in TD status. TD holders cannot work, but can study.
| TN | H-1B | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Canadian and Mexican citizens | Any nationality |
| Lottery or cap | No | Yes, yearly cap and lottery |
| Where to apply | At the border (Canadians) | USCIS petition, then visa or border |
| Length | Up to 3 years, renewable with no limit | Up to 6 years in total, in most cases |
| Green card friendly | No (temporary intent) | Yes (dual intent) |
Professions on the TN list
The list (Appendix 2 to Annex 16-A of the USMCA, carried over from NAFTA) has about 60 job titles. Common ones include:
| Group | Examples | Usual requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Business and tech | Accountant, Computer Systems Analyst, Economist, Engineer, Management Consultant, Mathematician (including statistician), Technical Publications Writer | Bachelor’s degree (some allow experience instead: for example, a Management Consultant can qualify with 5 years’ experience) |
| Design and planning | Architect, Graphic Designer, Industrial Designer, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, Urban Planner | Bachelor’s degree or licence (some allow a diploma plus experience) |
| Health | Registered Nurse, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Dentist, Dietitian, Medical Laboratory Technologist, Psychologist | Degree and/or provincial or state licence (nurses also need a US credentials certificate) |
| Science | Biologist, Chemist, Geologist, Physicist, Scientific Technician | Degree (technicians work with a professional in the field) |
| Teaching and research | College, seminary or university teacher; Research Assistant (at a post-secondary institution) | Degree |
Physicians can use TN only for teaching or research, not for patient care. Check the full list and requirements on the USCIS and CBP pages before you apply.
Software developers and TN
“Software developer” or “programmer” is not on the list. Most tech workers apply as:
- Computer Systems Analyst: a bachelor’s degree, or a post-secondary diploma plus 3 years’ experience. The job description should focus on analysis and design of systems, not only coding.
- Engineer: usually a degree in engineering (such as software or computer engineering).
The employer letter matters a lot. Officers compare the duties in the letter to the TN category. Vague or coding-only descriptions are a common reason for refusal.
How Canadians apply for TN
- Get a job offer letter from the US employer that states your TN profession, job duties, start date, length of stay (up to 3 years), salary, and your qualifications.
- Gather your proof of Canadian citizenship (passport), degree or diploma, transcripts, licences and proof of experience if needed.
- Go to a US port of entry or an airport with US pre-clearance (such as Toronto Pearson or Vancouver). Ask for TN status and pay the fee.
- If approved, you get an I-94 record showing TN status and the end date.
An employer can also file Form I-129 with USCIS before you travel. This takes longer but gives more certainty. Canadians do not need a TN visa stamp at a consulate.
TN and the green card problem
TN is for temporary work. When you enter, you must satisfy the officer that you do not intend to stay permanently. TN is not a “dual intent” status like H-1B or L-1.
- If your employer starts a green card process for you (for example a PERM labour certification or an I-140), a border officer may decide you now intend to immigrate and refuse TN entry.
- Many people switch to H-1B or L-1 before the green card process, or time their steps carefully with a lawyer.
- A long stay on repeated TN renewals can also draw questions about intent.
If permanent residence in the US is your goal, plan the path with a US immigration lawyer from the start.
Renewing, changing jobs and travelling on TN
- Renewing: before your I-94 end date, either your employer files an extension with USCIS, or you leave and re-apply at the border with a new letter.
- Changing employers: TN is tied to the employer and job in your letter. A new employer needs a new TN approval before you start.
- Losing your job: you may get a short grace period to find a new TN job, change status or leave. Check current USCIS rules right away.
- Travel: you can leave and re-enter during your TN period. Carry your employer letter and recent pay stubs.
- Part-time work: allowed, but self-employment and working for your own company are not.
Keep copies of every TN letter, I-94 record and approval. You will need them for future renewals, a green card application, or US tax filing.
What to sort out on the Canadian side
Moving to the US on TN usually ends your Canadian tax residency. Read the leaving Canada tax guide, estimate departure tax, and decide what to do with your TFSA before you go. If you keep a home and family in Canada and commute, you may stay a Canadian resident; check with the tax residency checker.