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TN Visas

Michigan TN Visa Immigration Lawyer

Helping Clients in and around Detroit Obtain TN Visas

TN visas are special non-immigrant visas available to citizens of Canada and Mexico pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). With a TN visa, Canadian and Mexican citizens are able to work in the United States in certain occupations. While the TN visa is similar to the H-1B visa, it has several unique requirements and limitations. TN visas are valid for an initial term of three years.

Michigan employment-based immigration attorney David Newman focuses on helping employers and foreign national employees obtain the appropriate immigration visas necessary to work in the United States, including H-1B visas, L-1 visas, E-1/E-2 visas, and TN visas. If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen seeking a TN visa for employment in the United States or if you are an employer wishing to employ an individual pursuant to the TN visa, contact Detroit-area immigration attorney David Newman at (248) 737-1824 to schedule a consultation to learn more about the TN application process.

Requirements for Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens generally do not need to apply for a visa with the U.S. consulate or file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Canadian citizens can request admission as a TN nonimmigrant professional at a U.S. port of entry by providing the following documentation:

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship
  • Letter from your prospective employer detailing items such as the professional capacity in which you will work in the United States, the purpose of your employment, your length of stay, your educational qualifications
  • Credentials evaluation (if applicable)

Eligibility Criteria for Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens are not required to file a petition with USCIS, but they must obtain a visa to enter the United States as a TN nonimmigrant. Mexican citizens can apply for a TN visa directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico. Once approved for a TN visa Mexican citizens may apply for admission at a United States port-of-entry.

Application Process

Applicants for a TN visa are required to submit and provide the following information:

  • Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160.
  • A passport valid for travel to the U.S. and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant’s intended period of stay in the U.S. (
  • One (1) 2×2 photograph
  • Letter of Employment in the U.S. in which the employer provides the following information:
    • The applicant’s position, which must be in a professional capacity
    • Activity in which the applicant shall be engaged and purpose of entry
    • Anticipated length of stay
    • Educational qualifications or appropriate credentials
    • Evidence of compliance with DHS regulations, and/or state laws
    • Arrangements for pay.
  • Although not required, proof of licensure to practice a given profession in the U.S. may be provided

Family of TN Visa Holders

The spouse and children under the age of 21 of TN visa holders may be eligible for TD nonimmigrant status if they demonstrate a bona fide spousal or parent-child relationship to the TN visa holders. Spouses and children cannot work while in the United States, but they are permitted to study.

Experienced Employment-Based Immigration Advice

If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen seeking a TN visa for employment in the United States or if you are an employer wishing to employ an individual pursuant to the TN visa, contact Detroit-area immigration attorney David Newman at (248) 737-1824 to schedule a consultation to learn more about the TN application process.