Is the TN Visa Program Right For Your Business?

The TN visa can be an excellent fit for U.S. businesses in search of skilled professionals for tough-to-fill job opportunities. The program allows Canadian and Mexican nationals to obtain temporary U.S. employment authorization for certain eligible occupations that are “professional” in nature.?

Over the years, MáS Enterprise has helped employers in a diverse range of industries hire qualified TN professionals in a variety of occupations. This includes healthcare professionals, veterinarians/animals breeders, petroleum engineers, and an assortment of technicians from a variety of scientific disciplines. The year-round, specialized nature of the TN visa makes it an attractive option for employers unable to locate the right combination of skills, education, and experience from the domestic labor market.?

The TN visa also provides longevity in a way that other visa classifications do not. While programs like H-1B have a finite lifespan, TN visa holders can remain in TN status for up to three years at a time, with no limit on the number of renewals. This makes the TN program a viable option for businesses in need of long-term solutions, without the hassle of dealing with the cumbersome government processes for employment-based immigration (I.e., “green cards”).?

If you have a skilled, professional job opening at your company, there are several factors you should consider before pursuing a TN visa:?

First, note that as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and now the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the program is exclusively available to nationals of those countries. Employers seeking to fill specialty occupations with foreign professionals from elsewhere in the world should consider the H-1B program instead.??

Second, be aware that the TN program is limited to a specific range of occupations outlined in NAFTA/USMCA. With few exceptions, the occupations are limited to positions requiring a bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent, and/or an occupational certificate or license. Unlisted professions, and occupations that do not require specialized skills or experience, will not qualify for the program.?

Finally, understand that satisfying the minimum requirements does not guarantee approval. Consular officials and adjudicators at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) scrutinize not only the eligibility of the job position, but also the qualifications of the specific TN candidate. Employers failing to demonstrate the professional nature of the occupation, or TN candidates unable to prove their qualifications, may find themselves facing rejection.?

If you’re interested in learning more, contact the MáS Enterprise team today. Our team is able, willing, and available to provide a free consultation to determine if the TN program is the right answer for your business.?

Website: maslabor.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (434) 263-4300