The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) established a TN (Trade NAFTA) visa classification, which is available only to citizens of Canada and Mexico.
TN status is limited to certain professions stipulated under NAFTA and may be granted in 3-year increments. There is no limit to the number of years an individual may hold TN status, but the employment must be temporary in nature. The TN visa classification is not to be used for tenure-track faculty or permanent staff positions. It is employer and position specific.
Qualifying Professions for TN Visa Status
Business person as defined by NAFTA, means a citizen of Canada or Mexico who is engaged in the trade of goods, the provision of services, or the conduct of investment activities.
Business activities at a professional level means those undertakings which require a baccalaureate degree or appropriate credentials demonstrating status as a professional.
Engaging in business activities at a professional level means the performance of prearranged business activities for a United States entity, including an individual. It does not authorize the establishment of a business or practice in the United States in which the professional will be self-employed.
Temporary entry, as defined by NAFTA, means entry without the intent to establish permanent residence in the U.S.
Pursuant to NAFTA, an applicant seeking admission under this section shall demonstrate business activity at a professional level in one of the professions set forth in Appendix 1603.D.1 to Annex 1603. These professions are:
- Accountant
- Architect
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Disaster Relief Insurance Adjuster
- Economist
- Engineer
- Forester
- Graphic Designer
- Hotel Manager
- Industrial Designer
- Interior Designer
- Land Surveyor
- Landscape Architect
- Lawyer
- Management Consultant
- Mathematician
- Range Manager/Conservationist
- Research Assistant (higher education)
- Scientific Technician/Technologist ? ??
- Social Worker
- Sylviculturist
- Technical Publications Writer
- Urban Planner
Medical/Allied Professionals
Dentist, Dietitian, Medical Laboratory Technologist, Medical Technologist, Nutritionist, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Physician (teaching or research only), Physiotherapist, Physical Therapist, Psychologist, Recreational Therapist, Registered Nurse, Veterinarian
Scientists
Agriculturist, Animal Breeder, Animal Scientist, Apiculturist, Astronomer, Biochemist, Biologist, Chemist, Dairy Specialist, Entomologist, Epidemiologist, Geneticist, Geochemist, Geologist, Geophysics, Horticulturist, Meteorologist, Pharmacologist, Physicist, Plant Breeder, Poultry Scientist, Soil Scientist, Zoologist
Teachers
College, Seminary, University
