NAFTA TN Visas

The NAFTA TN visa is designated only for Canadian and Mexican citizens.  The TN/TD Visa was created after the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994, to facilitate the temporary movement of qualified professionals from Canada, Mexico, and the United States.  Mexican citizens may apply for a TN visa at the U.S. Consulate General Monterrey, U.S. Embassy Mexico City or at any U.S. Consulate.

Self employed professionals are not appropriate beneficiaries of this visa class. Self employment is defined as rendering services to a corporation or entity of which the professional is the sole or controlling shareholder or owner.

This is a non-immigrant visa status and will only be granted if the period of stay is temporary, and has a finite end that does not equate to permanent residence.

Who can apply for the TN Visa?

Mexican citizens with a job offer in one of the jobs listed in the NAFTA Treaty are eligible for the TN visa.  Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of the TN visa holder are eligible for the TD visa.

For a list of qualified NAFTA Treaty jobs select NAFTA Treaty Professional Jobs (Appendix 1603.D.1)

For more information on NAFTA TN visas visit the U.S Department of State website: NAFTA TN Visas.

How to Apply:

TN visa applicants are able to apply for a TN visa in the same manner as those applying for a Tourist Visa.  All applicants must bring the following information to the interview:

1.  A Cover Letter or Resume Stating:

• Applicant's Name (include first, middle, paternal last, maternal last names)
• Date and place of birth
• Email address
• Professional work experience with dates and locations of employment
• Education and Experience Vitae/Membership in Professional Organizations, Licenses (describe fully-separate sheets may be required)
• Type of Degree and field of study.  Please bring originals of certificates of completion, titulo, and/or cedula profesional.

2.  A Job Offer Letter that includes:

• Job Title
• Qualifying profession in which the applicant will be performing.  The job must be one of NAFTA Treaty Professional Jobs
• Detailed description of proposed employment
• Location of proposed employment
• Full or part-time (specify the number of hours per week)
• Proposed wages per hour/month/year
• Justification for employee with applicant's profession and duration of proposed employment (explain justification)
• Type of degree or licensure required for proposed employment

**IMPORTANT. Please bring original job offer letter. Photocopies will not be accepted. 

3.  A corporate profile of the company hiring the visa applicant including:

• Name of company, type of business (sales, manufacturing, services, etc.)
• Address, telephone no., web site, e-mail address
• Legal entity (corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Liability Partnership, Partnership, Sole Proprietorship-submit legal document)
• Office or authority that processes personnel actions
• Year established
• Name of parent company, partners, or proprietor
• Other affiliates or subsidiaries
• IRS Tax No
• Gross and net annual income for last tax year
• Number of employees
• Business Income Tax Returns for the three most recent tax years
• Substantiating evidence of the business' marketing, promotional activities and its customer base

TD Visas

If you are a dependent of a TN visa holder applying later without the principal applicant, please bring the following for your interview:

• Copy of TN visa from principal applicant
• Passport and any prior U.S. visas
• Marriage Certificate
• Birth Certificate for children

Please refer to How to Apply for a Visa for additional visa application requirements.

The Day of your Interview at the Applicant Service Center

All TN and visa applicants and any accompanying family members must be registered at the Applicant Service Center prior to their consular interview.  Children under the age of 7 years need not be present for the interview, but must be physically present in México at the time of the interview, and must also submit a 5 x 5cm photograph.  For photo specifications, please see Visa for Minors.

The Day of your consular interview

In addition to the information previously mentioned please bring:

• Valid passport with available empty pages and a minimum of 6 months validity beyond the appointment date.  If applicants have prior passports with U.S. visa stamps, applicants should bring them as well
• Original degree(s) with S.E.P. (título) seal and/or Cédula Professional
• Any other supporting documents, such as the company’s brochure, company profile, financial statement and/or tax returns, etc.

For each family member bring:

• Original birth certificates of any children for whom you are applying.
• Original marriage certificate, if applying for your spouse.
• Any other supporting documents necessary to prove or explain the relationship between applicants.

If the visa is approved, the consular officer will determine a maximum validity for the visa. Applicants are required to pay a reciprocity fee of $100.00 USD per person per year or partial year of validity.

Do not make travel plans until you receive your visa.