TN 1: TRADE NAFTA

The TN‑1 (Trade NAFTA) category is available to Canadian and Mexican citizens.  The U.S. may grant temporary entry to such individuals who are engaging in a business activity at a professional level.  NAFTA defines “business activities at a professional level” as undertakings which require that the individual have at least a bachelor degree or appropriate credentials demonstrating status as a professional.  The professions are listed in Appendix 1603.D.1 of NAFTA.

A Canadian citizen may submit the appropriate paperwork to a U.S. Immigration Officer at a Class A port‑of‑entry, a U.S. airport handling international traffic or a U.S. pre‑flight inspection station.  A Mexican citizen seeking TN status must have a U.S. employer file a Petition for Nonimmigrant Work Authorization at the appropriate Consulate in Mexico.

The TN category allows for an initial one (1) year entry, with one (1) year extensions available.  The TN applicants must be able to demonstrate non-immigrant intent when they apply for the TN and when they re-enter the U.S. on the TN after international travel.