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International Services Office
Office for Global Engagement

TN Workers from Canada

A TN temporary work visa status allows for qualified Canadian citizens to work in the United States in certain professional occupations. There is an established list of these occupations in Appendix 2 of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). Most of the occupations require at least a bachelor’s degree, and some require higher degrees and specific experience.

Learn about the TN application process on this page, including required documents, how and where to apply, what to do if you have dependents, and more.

Have questions? We’re here to help. Contact ISO Scholar Services for additional support.

Required documentation

ISO questionnaires: Work authorization

Departments should work with potential visa holders on completing the following questionnaires, and then submit them to ISO:

Letter of support

When going to apply for TN status, prospective visa holders should obtain a letter of support from the hiring department at the University of Rochester. The letter should be printed on University letterhead and include:

  • Name and address of the hiring company
  • TN category
  • Job title
  • Job duties
  • Annual salary
  • Full-time or part-time designation (if part-time, hours per week)
  • Educational and experiential requirements
  • How you meet the educational and experiential requirements of the job
  • Hiring manager’s name and title
  • Hiring manager’s original signature

Additional travel materials

It’s suggested that the prospective visa holder has have photocopies of the following documents when going to apply:

  • Valid passport (should have at least 6 months remaining validity)
  • Relevant diplomas, degrees (minimum is a Bachelor’s degree), transcripts, certificates, licenses
  • Last two months pay statements from the University of Rochester (if a TN extension)
  • If coming with dependents:
    • Marriage certificate (and translation, if necessary) for those with dependent spouses
    • Birth certificates (including names of both parents) for all accompanying children (and translations if necessary)

How to apply at the border or immigration office

Initial application process

Once the prospective visa holder has prepared the required documents, they’ll take all of these materials to a US border crossing, Class A Port of Entry, or US immigration office at a Canadian-based international airport (like Toronto or Vancouver).

Plan to go to the border crossing no more than two weeks before your desired start date. Be prepared for a reasonable delay at the border crossing or the international airport during the inspection process. It’s a good idea to give yourself extra time for delays, which can be caused by things like a busy day at the border, individual issues, or problems with your interview or inspection.

Once there, you’ll be interviewed by the Trade Officer and have a formal inspection. If you plan to bring your spouse and/or children with you, they should also be present.

Based on your interview, documentation, and the job you’re being offered, you may be granted a period of stay up to 3 years.

Extension application

Two weeks before your current TN status expires, go to a US border crossing to apply for an extension. Make sure the border crossing has a trade officer present to process your application. This is the preferred and recommended method.

If you prefer to have your extension processed by USCIS, submit all the required questionnaires and documentation [jump link up to required documents section] to ISO at least six months before your current TN status expires.

There’s no current limit on the number of times you can extend your TN status. 

Fees

  • There is a $50.00 filing fee (subject to change)
  • There is a $10.00 port of entry fee, per person (subject to change)

Dependents: Family members

Spouses and children of the principal TN visa holder can enter the US in TD (Trade Dependent) status. The TN principle must be a Canadian citizen, but dependents aren’t required to hold Canadian citizenship to obtain TD status. The dependent status receives the identical amount of time in TD status as the principal TN.

When traveling, TD dependents should have the following documents:

  • Passport, valid 6 months into the future
  • Proof of dependent relationship (marriage or birth certificates)
  • Copies of primary TN documents, if traveling alone

There are important restrictions on study and work for TD dependents. For more general information, please visit our Dependents page.

Additional details

USMCA vs. NAFTA

The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), effective July 1, 2020.

Mexican citizens

If you’re a Mexican citizen with a job offer from the University of Rochester, the University will usually employ you on an H-1B instead of TN status. Please contact ISO Scholar Services if you have any questions or concerns.

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