TN Status

If a prospective employee is in Canada or Mexico, or if they are in the United States but wish to obtain TN status through travel and re-entry to the U.S., they may apply for TN status without the employer submitting a petition to USCIS (see below). The following items must be presented to immigration officials at the U.S. border:

• Proof of professional qualifications: diplomas, transcripts, licenses, certificates, resume and/or records of previous employment. Any credentials obtained outside the U.S., Canada, or Mexico should be accompanied by a credentials evaluation.
• Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship: passport valid for at least 6 months into the future
• TN entry visa, issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate (Mexican citizens only)
• Fees (subject to change — applicants should verify in advance):
  • Canadians: $56 cash for immigration fees to be paid at the port of entry
  • Mexicans: $185 for DS-160 Visa application fee to be paid to consulate
• The employer must provide a letter of employment. The letter must be on University letterhead, addressed to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection, signed by a representative of the employer, and it must include all of the following details. (ISSS can provide a template upon request) :
  • The employee’s full name
  • The contact information of the work site location (complete address and phone number)
  • An explanation of all activity in which the applicant shall be engaged in, and affirmation of the USMCA job title/profession that applies. If the job has a UMN title like Postdoctoral Associate, it is very important to use/emphasize the USMCA job title/profession. For example: "John Doe will be working as an Engineer, a profession that is eligible for TN status. He will be doing engineering research and will also be given the internal University of Minnesota title of Postdoctoral Associate."
  • A thorough description of the job duties
  • A description of the education and background necessary for the position  (minimum requirements)
  • An explanation of the employee’s educational qualifications or appropriate credentials (degree, license/certification, etc.) demonstrating and that they meet all requirements for both the USMCA profession and for the UMN job 
  • Any degree that is obtained outside of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico should be accompanied by an official credential evaluation and English translation (if applicable)
  • Arrangements for pay (including annual salary and benefits)
  • Whether the position is full-time or part-time
  • The purpose of entry
  • Anticipated length of stay (dates of employment - not to exceed three years)

Canadian citizens acquire TN status by arriving at a U.S. port of entry and presenting the required items to an inspector. See the CBP website for which ports of entry are optimal for TNs to use.

Mexican citizens must first apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate, then acquire TN status at a U.S. port of entry. Required items listed above must be presented both at visa application and at the port of entry.

Once granted TN status, an individual may only work for the employer whose job offer the employee presented at the U.S. border to obtain TN status.

Individuals who are already in the U.S. may apply for a change of status to TN, or an extension of TN status, by filing an employer-sponsored petition with USCIS. This option is more expensive and more time-consuming (see application fees and processing times), but eliminates the need for travel to Canada or Mexico  to obtain TN status. ISSS can prepare TN petitions for submission to USCIS. Departments should initiate the process using the same procedures for H-1B applications.

Upon Entry to the U.S.

It is very important for TN visa holders to track the accuracy of their Form I-94 with each admission to the United States. Read more about the purpose and importance of the I-94 on this page.