TN Visa in San Bernardino: NAFTA/USMCA Professional Work Visa Guide
Work visa options for Canadian and Mexican professionals under trade agreements
Quick Answer
For Canadian and Mexican professionals in San Bernardino seeking to work in the United States, the TN visa under the USMCA trade agreement offers a streamlined path to employment. SoCal Immigration Services helps qualified professionals navigate this unique visa category.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
For Canadian and Mexican professionals in San Bernardino seeking to work in the United States, the TN visa under the USMCA trade agreement offers a streamlined path to employment. SoCal Immigration Services helps qualified professionals navigate this unique visa category.
What is the TN Visa?
• Available under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
• For pre-arranged professional employment with a U.S. employer
• Valid for up to 3 years (renewable)
• Faster and simpler than H-1B visa process
• No annual cap or lottery
• Spouse and children can accompany on TD status
TN Visa Eligible Professions
- •Accountants
- •Architects
- •Computer Systems Analysts
- •Engineers (various disciplines)
- •Management Consultants
- •Pharmacists
- •Physicians (teaching or research only)
- •Scientists (various disciplines)
- •Teachers (college, university, seminary)
- •Medical/Allied Professionals
- •Economists and Research Assistants
Requirements for TN Visa
- 1Citizenship
You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (not just a resident).
- 2Qualifying Profession
Your profession must be on the USMCA list of TN-eligible occupations.
- 3Job Offer
You must have a prearranged full-time or part-time professional position with a U.S. employer.
- 4Qualifications
You must meet the educational or credential requirements for your profession (usually a bachelor's degree).
- 5Temporary Intent
You must intend to return to your home country when your TN status ends.
TN for Canadian Citizens
• Apply directly at a U.S. port of entry or airport
• No visa stamp required in passport
• Bring supporting documentation to the border
• CBP officer makes immediate decision
• Can begin working immediately upon approval
• Pre-clearance at Canadian airports is also available
TN for Mexican Citizens
• Apply at a U.S. consulate or embassy in Mexico
• Obtain a TN visa stamp in passport
• Schedule a visa interview
• Present supporting documentation at interview
• Once visa is issued, enter the U.S. and begin working
• Alternatively, apply for change of status if already in the U.S.
Required Documentation
- •Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship (passport)
- •Job offer letter from U.S. employer
- •Description of duties confirming professional nature of work
- •Educational credentials (diplomas, transcripts)
- •Credential evaluation (if degree is from outside North America)
- •Professional licenses (if required for your profession)
- •Resume/CV showing relevant experience
- •For Mexican citizens: DS-160 form and visa appointment
What the Employer Letter Must Include
- •Your professional capacity/title
- •Detailed description of duties
- •Anticipated length of stay
- •Educational qualifications required
- •Evidence the position requires a professional
- •Salary or compensation arrangement
- •Company name, address, and contact information
- •Signature of authorized company representative
TN Visa Duration and Extensions
• Initial TN status is granted for up to 3 years
• Extensions can be filed indefinitely
• No maximum number of extensions
• Each extension is for up to 3 years
• Temporary intent must be maintained
• Extended TN status may raise questions about temporary intent
TN vs. H-1B: Key Differences
| Feature | TN Visa | H-1B Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible countries | Canada/Mexico only | Any country |
| Annual cap | No cap | 65,000 + 20,000 lottery |
| Processing time | Immediate (Canada) | Months |
| Maximum stay | Unlimited extensions | 6 years total |
| Dual intent | No (temporary only) | Yes (can pursue green card) |
| Employer requirements | Letter only | LCA and petition |
TD Status for Family Members
• Apply for TD (Trade Dependent) status
• TD status is tied to the TN worker's status
• TD dependents cannot work in the U.S.
• TD dependents can study in the U.S.
• Same duration as the TN worker's status
TN Visa Services in San Bernardino
- •TN eligibility assessment
- •Job offer letter review and preparation
- •Credential evaluation coordination
- •Document compilation for port of entry
- •DS-160 preparation for Mexican citizens
- •Extension application preparation
- •Change of employer documentation
- •TD dependent applications
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I apply for a green card while on TN status?
A: This is complicated. TN requires 'nonimmigrant intent' (temporary stay), while green cards require immigrant intent. Pursuing a green card while on TN can be risky and may result in denial of TN extensions or re-entry.
Q:What happens if my TN application is denied at the border?
A: If denied, you cannot enter the U.S. for work. You can reapply with better documentation or address the reason for denial. Canadians can try a different port of entry.
Q:Can I work for multiple employers on TN status?
A: Each employer requires separate TN authorization. You can hold multiple TN statuses simultaneously, but each must be individually approved.
Q:Is a degree always required for TN status?
A: Most TN professions require a bachelor's degree. Some (like Management Consultant) may accept alternative qualifications with extensive experience.
Q:How long does TN renewal take?
A: For Canadians, renewal at the border is immediate. For Mexicans, consular processing takes 1-4 weeks. USCIS extensions from within the U.S. take several months.
Q:Can I switch employers while on TN?
A: Yes, but you need new TN authorization for the new employer. You cannot work for the new employer until the new TN is approved.
Need TN Visa Help in San Bernardino?
If you're a Canadian or Mexican professional with a job offer in the U.S., let us help you navigate the TN visa process.
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