International Scholars

TN Temporary Workers

In accordance with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a designated group of professionals are admissible for employment in the United States under NAFTA without the requirement of an approved United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) petition. The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) status allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals, to work in the United States for up to three years. These professionals can enter the United States by providing documentation at the port of entry or U.S. consulate abroad that they will be engaged in one of the designated professions (see NAFTA Professional Job Series List).

Procedures for admission

Canadian professionals seeking admission to the United States in the TN category must present the case for admission at the port of entry. The major ports of entry now have NAFTA officers designated by USCIS. Mexican professionals seeking admission to the United States in the TN category must apply for a TN visa at a consular section abroad. There are specific requirements for Canadian and Mexican citizens wishing to apply for TN status (see TN Application Requirements).

In general, the application will include the following (see TN Application Requirements for specific instructions):

Professionals already in the United States (likely in B-1, H-1 or L-1 status) can apply for TN status through an application for change of nonimmigrant status using Form I-129.

Extension of status

Canadian or Mexican citizens admitted as a NAFTA Professional may seek an extension of stay, which may be granted for up to three years, by:

Family members

Spouses and children (unmarried children under the age of 21) who are accompanying or following to join NAFTA Professionals (TNs) may receive a derivative TD visa status. Admission can be granted for a one-year period coinciding with the TN alien's period of admission. Canadian citizen spouses and children do not need visas; Mexican citizen spouses and children must apply for TD nonimmigrant visas at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If the spouse and children are not Canadian citizens, they must get a TD nonimmigrant visa. For specific documentation requirements for TD applicants, contact an immigration specialist at iss@osu.edu.

Change of address

TN professionals are required by regulation to notify USCIS of their change of address within 10 days of the change by filing Form AR-11. The completed Form AR-11 must be sent to the Department of Homeland Security at the address listed in the form's instructions.

Change of employer

TN status is employer-specific, so any change in employer will affect the TN professional's immigration status. A change of employer for a TN necessitates reapplication for TN status.

TN status holders may have more than one job, but USCIS must approve all employment prior to its commencement.