The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)

The USMCA Agreement (previously the North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA)  between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico created an economic and trade relationship between the countries. The TN status permits Canadian and Mexican citizens to enter the U.S. to engage in certain professional activities on a temporary basis. The TN status is limited to select occupational fields.

Eligibility

• Position must require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an approved NAFTA occupation
• Foreign national must posses a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in the qualifying field
• The profession is approved under NAFTA 
• Foreign national is going to work for a U.S. employer
• The position may be full-time or part-time; part-time positions may require additional documentation to demonstrate the foreign national’s ability to financially support themselves and their family
• The initial TN may be requested for three years with a possibility of extension

Obtaining TN Status

Canadian Citizens 

Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a visa, but instead receive "TN" status with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at their Port of Entry. Please note that the "TN" status will only be granted if the period of stay is temporary.

To qualify for admission, citizens of Canada may apply for the status at a U.S. Port of Entry or pre-clearance inspection station. The TN must travel with:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship
• A letter from the prospective U.S.-based employer offering them a job in the United States. Self-employment is not permitted. Below are the letter requirements:
  • The letter must be original, not a copy
  • Signed in blue ink and dated within 30 days of the start date
  • Profession must be on the NAFTA list
  • Includes position description and minimum qualifications
  • Please email the letter to ISSS for review
• Original documentation: qualifying college degree and employment records which establish qualification for the prospective job. Copies of licenses or certificates, if applicable. Transcripts are highly recommended. 
• Request TN status for a “temporary” stay
• Pay a fee of US$50

Alternatively, the University of Maryland may choose to file an I-129 application to transfer or extend a TN status within the U.S.

Mexican Citizens

Citizens of Mexico are required to apply for a TN visa at a U.S embassy in Mexico.

Gather and bring the following documents to the visa interview:

• Proof of Mexican citizenship
• Complete the DS-160 application online and pay the fee
• A letter from the prospective U.S.-based employer offering him/her a job in the United States. Self-employment is not permitted. Below are the letter requirements:
  • The letter must be original, not a copy
  • Signed in blue ink and dated within 30 days of the start date
  • Profession must be on the NAFTA list(link is external)
  • Includes position description and minimum qualifications
  • Please email the letter to ISSS for review
• Original documentation: qualifying college degree and employment records which establish qualification for the prospective job. Copies of licenses or certificates, if applicable. Transcripts are highly recommended. 
• Request TN status for a “temporary” stay

Dependents

• Spouse or child under the age of 21
• Not permitted to work, but may study

Dependents will enter the U.S. in TD status.  

• If the dependent is a citizen of Canada, no visa is required.  
• If the dependent is a citizen of Mexico, the dependent must apply for a TD visa
• If the dependent is not a citizen of Canada or Mexico, please check with the Department of State to determine if a visa is required. 

Gather and bring the following documents to your appointment:

• Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship
• Marriage certificate or birth certificate, as applicable
• Proof the TN is maintaining status
• Photocopies of the TN’s I-94 electronic record or I-94