The TN visa is the legal instrument of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the United States, Canada, and Mexico that allows qualified Mexican and Canadian professionals to work in the United States for up to three years, renewable without limit.
The main benefits of this instrument are its temporary and renewable nature, which allows the worker to be in the U.S. for three straight years and, if there is an agreement with the employer, renewal for three more years, so long as NAFTA continues.
In most cases, TN visas are more accessible than other types of visas, making them very attractive to U.S. employers who need to hire qualified personnel quickly.
The applicant must have completed the education requirements for one or more of the listed 60 NAFTA professions to qualify. Most require at least a bachelor’s degree, and, in some cases, a minimum number of years of relevant experience may be required.
Among the professionals eligible to apply for the TN visa are engineers and technicians who are citizens of Canada or Mexico.
The job in the United States must have a full-time or part-time workload. The employer must also meet two main conditions: be a resident of the United States and demonstrate the need on their team for the foreign professional.
The TN Visa Program has also positively impacted industrial development in the United States. Success stories in Georgia show that the quality and productivity of companies that have hired staff under this scheme have increased significantly.
The organization’s culture has also benefited from incorporating this international workforce. By including different cultural ideas and behaviors, the workforce adapts to changes more efficiently. The TN visa program offers an opportunity for young professionals to experience other lifestyles, enrich their professional experience, and strengthen their resumes while working at companies and in communities in the United States.