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Immigration Services

TN Visa for Mexican and Canadian Professional Workers

The TN Visa allows qualified Canadian or Mexican citizens entry to the U.S. to be employed in specific professional occupations under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly NAFTA. This non-immigrant visa category is designed for temporary employment with U.S. employers.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for TN status, applicants must:

  • Hold citizenship in Canada or Mexico (permanent residents are not eligible).
  • Have a job offer in an approved USMCA professional occupation.
  • Possess the necessary educational credentials, typically at least a bachelor’s degree.
  • Have a prearranged, non-self-employed position with a U.S. employer.
  • Apply through appropriate channels:
    • Canadian citizens may apply at a U.S. port of entry.
    • Mexican citizens must apply at a U.S. consulate.

TN status is initially granted for up to three years and may be extended in three-year increments.

Dependents (TD Status)

  • Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may qualify for TD dependent status.
  • TN dependents may study in the U.S. but cannot work.
  • Canadian TD dependents are exempt from consular visa requirements.

TN Visa Maintenance and Other Considerations

Maintaining TN Status

  • Employment is employer-specific. A separate TN is required for each employer.
  • Compensation is only allowed from the sponsoring employer.
  • Invitations to lecture, collaborate, or present elsewhere may be permitted for reimbursement of reasonable expenses only, not payment.
  • Any employment changes require filing for a new TN or amendment.

Employment Rules

  • TN holders are authorized to work only for the sponsoring employer.
  • Each new employer must file a separate petition with USCIS.

Public Assistance Restrictions

  • Nonimmigrant visa holders and their dependents are not eligible for most public benefits.
  • Accepting certain types of assistance may affect future immigration benefits or entry into the U.S.

Social Security Number (SSN)

  • TN holders are eligible to apply for an SSN after 10 days of being in the U.S. in TN status.
  • Required documents when meeting with SSA include passport, I-94, and letter from your employer.
  • Visit www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 for more information.

Change of Address

  • All non-immigrants are required to notify USCIS within 10 days of a change of residential address. Please follow the instructions on USCIS’ website.
  • You must also notify Immigration Services of the new address via email at empvisa@clemson.edu.

Travel and Reentry

TN Visa Holders

  • Valid passport
  • TN approval/employer letter
  • Original degree/diploma
  • Mexican citizens: Valid TN visa stamp

TD Dependents:

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of relationship to TN holder (marriage/birth certificate)
  • Mexican citizens: Valid TD visa stamp

Leaving Clemson or Changing Employers

  • TN holders must leave Clemson by the I-94 end date unless a change of employer or status is approved.
  • Notify your department of departure and update your contact information.
  • To remain in the U.S., you must obtain a new TN with another employer or switch visa categories.

For Questions and Additional Information

For assistance or more information, contact Immigration Services at empvisa@clemson.edu or refer to official U.S. government resources below.

Additional Resources: