TN Professional Under NAFTA


The North American Free Trade Agreement ("NAFTA") provides a temporary working visa status for Canadian citizens referred to as "TN" status. U.S. employers may employ citizens of Canada under the TN category in certain, limited professions for up to three year at a time. The period of employment may be renewed indefinitely.

General requirements for TN status:

  • An offer of employment in one of the specific occupations listed in the appendix to NAFTA
  • Possession of a least a U.S. Bachelor's Degree (or a Canadian three year baccalaureate degree) in a related field


Some of the more useful occupations designated on the approved list are the following:


Accountant, Architect, Computer Systems Analyst (Bachelor's Degree or two years Post-Secondary Diploma plus three years experience), Engineer, Management Consultant (requires Bachelor's Degree or five years experience), Mathematician, Research Assistant (in educational institution), Scientific Technician, Medical/Allied Professionals, including Dentists, Nurses, Pharmacists, Physical Therapists, Veterinarians, and others), Medical Doctors (teaching or research only), Scientists, Teachers (college or above only).


For applicants already in the U.S. in another status, it may be possible to seek a change of status in USA.