About TN (Trade NAFTA) Status
The TN nonimmigrant classification for professionals under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is available only to citizens of Canada and Mexico and allows for expedited admission of these professionals.
Advantages of TN status:
- Available for a broad range of occupations on the NAFTA professions list
- No limit to the total length of time an individual may remain in TN status
- Individuals who are subject to the 212(e) 2-year home country residence requirement stemming from J-1 status may obtain TN status without first fulfilling or getting a waiver of the requirement
- Overall, less paperwork for the employer and generally quicker to obtain than other nonimmigrant statuses
Disadvantages of TN status:
- Available only to Canadian and Mexican citizens in NAFTA professions
- TN status must be renewed every 3 years
- TN status is temporary with no recognition of dual intent
- Tenure-track position holders may have difficulty entering the U.S. in TN status
