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TN status is a type of employment authorization based on terms and conditions set out in the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (UCMCA, formerly NAFTA). TN status is available to citizens of Canada and Mexico who are seeking to enter the US to engage in pre-arranged business activities in certain professions. To qualify:

  1. The person must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
  2. The person must have a pre-arranged offer to engage in a business activity, within a profession listed in Chapter 16, Appendix 2 of the USMCA
    • Self-employment is not permitted in TN status
  3. The person must have the educational and professional credentials required for the profession, as indicated in Chapter 16, Appendix 2 of the USMCA

Among the TN professions especially common in higher education settings are the following:

  • College / university teacher
  • Scientists and scientific technicians
  • Medical / allied professionals, including veterinarians
  • Librarians
  • Computer Systems Analysts

Multiple Professions: Depending a person's primary job duties, an individual may need to establish eligibility for more than one TN profession at the same time. For example, a person whose professional duties are substantially divided between college teaching and scientific research may need to document eligibility for both the TN college / university teacher and TN scientist professions. Sponsoring departments should consult with the International Center for more details.

Duration

TN Status is granted for the length of the business activity up to a maximum of three years. It may be extended indefinitely in increments up to three years at a time (see extension information below).

Benefits and Restrictions

  • TN employment may be part- or full-time
  • TN status is employer-specific; the TN professional is only permitted to work for the TN sponsor
  • A TN employee may have more than one employer, but each employer must request separate TN authorizations for the employee

Dependents

TN employees may be accompanied by a spouse and/or unmarried minor children under 21; dependents are granted TD status. TD family members are not permitted to work in the US, but may engage in part- or full-time study.

Department Processes for Requesting TN Professionals