The nonimmigrant USMCA Professional (TN) visa category is for Canadian and Mexican citizens. Please note that Canadian citizens can apply for TN visa status when entering the United States, but Mexican citizens must first obtain a TN visa from an American Embassy/Consulate prior to entering the U.S.
TN status may be granted for up to three years, and this status may be extended indefinitely in three-year increments, for as long as the employment continues.
Address change
You must notify the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of all home address changes using Form AR-11 within 10 days of moving. Additional information about Form AR-11 is available on the H-1B section of our website.
Extension of TN status
TN status is renewable in three-year increments and is usually extended by traveling internationally.
Canadian citizens
If the applicant plans to travel internationally (including to/from Canada) in shortly before the expiration of TN status, it is possible to apply for extension of TN stay upon re-entry to the U.S. by presenting new application documents. TD dependents will also require an extension of status at the same time. If dependents travel separately from the TN employee, proof that the TN scholar's stay has already been extended is required. Canadians should be aware that TN status is not processed at every U.S.-Canadian border crossing. GPS recommends calling the inspection station at your planned U.S.-Canadian port of entry ahead of time to verify that TN applications are accepted.
Mexican citizens
If the applicant plans to travel internationally in the few months before the expiration of TN status, it is possible to apply for a new TN visa from an American Embassy/Consulate while abroad and apply for extension of TN stay upon re-entry to the U.S. The Mexican TN should present an updated set of application documents. TD dependents will require an extension of status at the same time. If dependents travel separately from the TN scholar, proof that the TN scholar's stay has already been extended is required.
If the TN is not traveling at or near the time of the TN expiration
Extensions can also be sought by having GPS file an application for extension with U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the TN and any TD dependents.
Applications for extension cannot be sent more than four months prior to the TN status expiration date and must be received at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security by the expiration of the TN status authorized on the most recent I-94.
USCIS charges a filing fee to process extension applications within the U.S. Premium Processing is an optional fee. There is an additional fee to process extensions for TD dependents.
USCIS processing time can vary greatly. If the TN or TD visa holder chooses to travel internationally while their extension is pending, they need to contact GPS prior to their trip. It may be necessary to apply for an extension upon returning to the U.S. and pay the corresponding fees.
GPS recommends traveling for the purpose of extending the TN status whenever possible.
Request for change or addition of U.S. employer
If a TN employee wishes to change or add a U.S. employer, they usually acquire the additional approved TN employment status by traveling internationally with the appropriate documentation, either from both of the employers or just from the new sole employer.
If the TN employee is not planning to travel soon, the new/added employer must file a petition with appropriate supporting documentation with U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This method is a longer process and petition must be approved prior to the TN beginning the new or added employment.
