TN visa lawyer for Canadian professionals and US employers
A TN visa lawyer helps Canadian citizens in professions on the TN list get TN status to work in the US. We help Canadian professionals and US employers confirm the job qualifies, prepare the support letter and apply.
- Law Society of OntarioLicensed in Ontario
- New York State BarAdmitted in New York
What a TN visa lawyer checks before you apply
The TN visa for Canadians comes from USMCA, the trade deal that replaced NAFTA. TN visa requirements include Canadian citizenship and prearranged work in a listed profession. The work can be for a US employer or for a Canadian employer's US client. You also need the degree, license or experience the profession requires. The stay must be temporary.
Officers look at the duties, not just the job title. Software developer, for example, is not on the TN visa professions list. What matters is whether your work fits a listed profession. As your TN visa lawyer, Mayo Law checks that fit and your credentials. Then we draft the employer support letter to cover each point the rules require.
Canadians can apply at a US port of entry that handles TN applications or at US preclearance in several Canadian airports. The officer usually decides the same day. An employer can also file Form I-129 with USCIS, the US immigration agency. That filing covers extensions and employer changes without leaving the US. A TN visa lawyer can prepare either filing.
- TN eligibility review
- Profession match
- Credential check
- Degree evaluations
- Employer support letters
- Job duties
- Length of stay
- Pay and qualifications
- Applying from Canada
- Port of entry
- Airport preclearance
- Interview preparation
- Employer petitions
- Form I-129 filings
- Premium processing
- Changing or adding employers
- Renewals and refusals
- TN visa renewal
- Reapplying after a refusal
- Family and long-term plans
- TD status for spouse and children
- TN to green card
- Switching to L-1 or H-1B
Ready to start
If your job offer is in place, request representation for your TN visa application and we will reply within 1 to 2 business days.
Request TN representationWant advice first
If you are not sure the role fits TN, or want to compare other visas, book a consultation first.
Book a consultationWho we help with TN applications
Canadian professionals with a US job offer
Listed professions include engineers, accountants, management consultants, computer systems analysts and scientists in many fields. If you are figuring out how to work in the US as a Canadian, TN is often the first option to check.
US employers hiring Canadians
If your company in New York or elsewhere in the US is hiring a Canadian, we can act as your TN visa attorney. We prepare the support letter, extensions and any Form I-129 petition.
Companies moving staff to a US office
If your company is moving a Canadian employee in a listed profession to its US office, TN may be the simplest route. An L-1 intracompany transfer may fit better for managers, executives and specialized-knowledge staff with a year or more at the company.
Founders and business owners
TN does not cover self-employment, which includes working for a company where you are the sole or controlling owner. The E-2 treaty investor visa is often the route to look at instead.
How we work on TN applications
- 01Eligibility checked first
We check the profession, duties and credentials before you book travel or resign from your current job.
- 02Other options if TN does not fit
If the role does not fit TN, we tell you early and compare the other US work visas for Canadians.
- 03Ready for the border officer
We go over the documents to bring and the questions the officer may ask at the border.
- 04Family and green card timing
A TN is often one step in moving from Canada to the US, so we raise family, renewal and green card timing early.
What our clients say
Joseph explained every step of the legal process in a clear and straightforward manner. I always felt informed and at ease. His professionalism and dedication gave me confidence that my case was in the right hands. I highly recommend his services to anyone seeking legal assistance.
Leena E.
Working with Joseph Mayo was a fantastic experience. He is incredibly knowledgeable and efficient, helping me with important files that needed quick submission. His expertise and dedication were evident, and he guided me through the process in record time. I’m grateful for his prompt and thorough assistance. Highly recommended for anyone needing legal expertise!
Ziad A.
Joseph’s the kind of lawyer who actually listens. I never felt like just a file on his desk—he really took the time to understand me and what I was going through. It made the whole experience a lot less stressful. I’m honestly so glad I found him.
Wisam R.
Guides on this topic
Common questions
What is a TN visa?
A TN visa is a US work status for Canadian and Mexican citizens in professions listed under USMCA. Canadians do not need a visa stamp in their passport. TN status is tied to a specific employer, so changing employers means a new TN application. Each grant of TN status lasts up to three years. Canadian permanent residents who are not citizens do not qualify.
Does a TN visa require sponsorship?
No, not in the way an H-1B or an employer-sponsored green card does. You still need prearranged work in the US, usually a job offer from a US employer. But Canadians face no lottery, no labor certification (a Department of Labor test of the US job market) and no required petition. The employer's support letter describes the role, your credentials, the length of stay and the pay. The employer can also choose to file Form I-129 with USCIS.
How do I get a TN visa from Canada?
You can apply at a US port of entry or at preclearance in a Canadian airport such as Toronto Pearson. Bring proof of citizenship, the employer support letter and your degree, license or other credentials. You also pay a government fee. At the border, TN visa processing time is short because the officer usually decides at the same visit. An employer petition to USCIS takes longer. Premium processing, a faster review for an extra fee, can shorten it.
How many times can you renew a TN visa?
There is no set limit on TN renewals. Each renewal can be for up to three years. While you are in the US, your employer can file an extension with USCIS. You can also apply again at the border with a new support letter. Each time, you must show that the job is temporary and that you plan to leave when it ends.
Can a TN visa lead to a green card?
Yes, but it needs planning because TN is not a dual intent status. Dual intent means you can hold a temporary status while also seeking permanent residence. On TN, you must show temporary intent each time you enter or extend, so a pending green card case can draw questions. Some people move to an L-1 or H-1B first, since both allow dual intent. A TN visa lawyer can help you plan the order of steps.
Can the spouse of a TN visa holder work?
No, a spouse in TD status cannot work in the US. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can join you in TD status for the same period as your TN. TD family members can study. A spouse who wants to work needs a separate status, such as their own TN if they are a Canadian citizen in a listed profession.
A US immigration lawyer for Canadian professionals and the companies that hire them.
Joseph Mayo is the principal attorney at Mayo Law. He is licensed to practice law in both Ontario and New York, holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from New York University School of Law with a specialty in international business and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in law and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in business from Netanya Academic College, and is a member of the American Bar Association and the Law Society of Ontario. His practice focuses on cross-border immigration, business law, white collar defense, and compliance.
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