USMCA — Canada & Mexico

OVERVIEW

What Is TN Status?

TN status provides work authorization for Canadian and Mexican professionals in specific occupations listed in the USMCA (formerly NAFTA). It is one of the most efficient nonimmigrant work visa categories available — with no annual cap, no lottery, and for Canadian nationals, no advance visa application required.

TN status may be granted in one-year or three-year increments and renewed indefinitely. It is available only to citizens (not permanent residents) of Canada or Mexico.

QUALIFYING OCCUPATIONS

Who Qualifies

The USMCA Appendix defines an explicit list of qualifying professional categories. Common categories relevant to Lex Nautica’s practice include:

• Engineers (all disciplines, including nuclear, aerospace, mechanical, electrical, and software)
• Scientists (physicists, chemists, geologists, and others)
• Computer systems analysts
• Accountants and management consultants
• Lawyers and notaries public (Mexican nationals)
• Physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals
• Academics and researchers in qualifying fields

The applicant’s degree and job duties must align with the qualifying category. Lex Nautica conducts a thorough pre-filing analysis to confirm category fit before any application is submitted.