TN-1 Work Permits for Professionals

The TN-1 Work Permit is for Canadian, American and Mexican citizens seeking a work permit in one of the NAFTA countries, including the United States, Canada and Mexico. To qualify, the applicant’s job duties must fall within the definition of one of the Professional Occupations listed in NAFTA. Professionals involved in the Information Technology, engineering, or consulting frequently use the TN-1 status.

Educational and Experience Requirements under NAFTA. Degreed and certain non-degreed citizens may also qualify, but only in certain professions. Generally, in order to qualify for a TN-1 work visa, the applicant for TN Work Permit needs one of the following:

• a bachelor's degree from a U.S. or Canadian college or university, or a foreign degree professionally determined to be the equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree;
• a three-year Post Secondary School* diploma;
• a two-year Post Secondary School* diploma, plus at least three years experience;
• no degree, but possess theoretical knowledge in a particular type of discipline (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Forestry, Geology, Geophysics, Meteorology, Physics);
• at least five years of experience in a particular field and expertise to be a management consultant.

Canadian and American TN applicants apply at either a land "port-of-entry" or an airport. Mexican citizens must apply at Consulate or Embassy in Mexico. The work permit is valid for one year but, under most circumstances, can be renewed indefinitely. Processing time is instant approval since it is done in-person.

TN Work Permits not available to Permanent Residents of a NAFTA country.

Strategies for Using TN Status