Visas for Canadian and Mexican NAFTA Professional Workers
In general, individuals from foreign countries seeking entry into the United States must obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stays or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) established special economic and trade relationships between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa enables Canadian and Mexican citizens, designated as NAFTA professionals, to engage in prearranged business activities for U.S. or foreign employers in the United States. Permanent residents of Canada and Mexico are ineligible to apply for TN visas as NAFTA professionals.
Requirements for Canadian Citizens: Canadian citizens entering the U.S. as NAFTA professionals do not necessarily require a visa, although one can be issued upon request for a qualified Canadian TN visa applicant. Canadian citizens without a TN visa can apply for TN nonimmigrant status at a U.S. port-of-entry. Details about these requirements are available on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) websites. Additional information on obtaining TN status without a visa application is provided on the U.S. Embassy Ottawa website.
A NAFTA Professional (TN) visa is required for a Canadian citizen residing in a third country with a non-Canadian spouse and/or child(ren) planning to enter the U.S. as a NAFTA professional with eligible family member(s) applying for derivative TD nonimmigrant visa(s).
Requirements for Mexican Citizens: Application Process:
The visa application process involves several steps, and the order and completion of these steps may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Applicants are advised to refer to the instructions on the respective U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
Complete the Online Visa Application:
Use the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. This entails completing the online visa application and printing the confirmation page to bring to the interview. Photo:
Upload a photo while completing the online Form DS-160. The photo must adhere to the format specified in the Photograph Requirements. (A photo is not required for applications submitted in Mexico.)
7.01.2024
