How Dallas Companies Can File TN Visas Under the USMCA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Close-up of a United States visa document on an American flag background.

If you are a citizen of Canada or Mexico and want to work and live in the United States, you usually need a TN visa. This visa is for certain professional jobs and is available only to Mexican and Canadian citizens. It is often one of the fastest and simplest ways to legally work in the U.S.

In this blog, our Dallas Immigration attorneys explain what a TN visa is, who can qualify for it, and how it works. It also walks you through the application process step by step. Keep reading to see if a TN visa might be a good option for you and to understand how to apply.

What Are TN Visas?

A TN visa is a temporary work visa that lets citizens of Mexico or Canada work and live in the United States if they meet certain job requirements. This visa was created under the North American Free Trade Agreement, now referred to as the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement.

This arrangement initiated special trade and economic ties between the countries and made it easier for specific professionals to enter and work in the U.S. With a TN visa, these professionals can live and work in the United States for up to three consecutive years, and the visa can be renewed over and over again.

Who Can Qualify for a TN Visa Through a Dallas Employer?

Two individuals exchanging a clipboard with documents and passport in a professional office setting.

To apply for a TN visa, a person must meet specific requirements, including:

The person applying must be a citizen of Mexico or Canada and must be able to prove it, usually with a passport.
They must already have a full-time or part-time job offer from a U.S. company.
The job must be one of the approved professions under the agreement, such as a dentist, doctor, social worker, or engineer.
The person must have the education or credentials needed to work in that job in the United States.

How Do I Apply?

If you qualify for a TN visa and would like to apply for one, you need to:

For Citizens of Mexico

Fill in the application: If you are a citizen of Mexico, you must complete and turn in Form DS-160 on the U.S. Department of State’s website. Upload a picture of yourself and include documents that show you qualify for a TN visa.
Schedule your interview: After you submit your application, you must attend a visa interview. The interview will be held at a U.S. embassy or consulate near where you live. You may need to wait several days or even weeks for the interview date.
Gather your documents: For your interview, you must bring documents that prove who you are, your citizenship, and your job in the United States. You will also need to prove that you can support yourself financially while living in the U.S. It’s important to collect these documents ahead of time and bring them to your interview so the process goes smoothly. Common documents include your completed Form DS-160, your passport, proof that you are qualified for your profession, and a job offer letter.
Go to your interview: During the interview, a consular officer will decide if you qualify for a TN visa. If you meet the requirements and can clearly prove it with your documents, the process should go smoothly.
Await your approval: After your interview, you will be told whether your visa is approved. If it is approved, you will need to wait for the visa to be issued before you can begin working in the United States on the agreed date.

For Citizens of Canada

The process is easier for Canadian citizens. If you are from Canada, you do not need to apply for a visa online. You can apply for TN status when you arrive at the U.S. border. Another option is for your employer to file the application for you by submitting Form I-129 on the USCIS website. Once it is approved, you can enter the United States through an official port of entry.

Talk to a Dallas Immigration Attorney About Your TN Visa Application

If you are a Dallas employer or professional considering a TN visa, having the right legal guidance can make the process much easier. A knowledgeable Dallas immigration attorney can help you prepare the paperwork, avoid delays, and ensure everything is filed correctly.

To learn more or get help with your TN visa application, contact Coleman Jackson, P.C. at (214) 599-0431 or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule your confidential consultation.

This law blog is written by attorneys at Coleman Jackson, P.C., which is located at 6060 North Central Expressway, Suite 620, Dallas, Texas 75206 for educational purposes; it does not create an attorney-client relationship between this law firm and its reader. You should consult with legal counsel in your geographical area with respect to any legal issues impacting you, your family or business.

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