Only citizens of Canada and Mexico are eligible under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to qualify for TN status. To qualify, the applicant must be a Canadian Citizen and coming to the United States to perform services at a professional level in one of the occupations that are designated under NAFTA.

In the computer field, the occupations that may qualify include Computer Systems Analyst, Management Consultant, Scientific Technician/Technologist and Software Engineer.

TN status is granted for a period of up to 1 year with unlimited extensions of stay in increments of 1 year thereafter. TN status is employer-specific.

Canadians may be admitted to the United States under TN status without first obtaining a TN Visa at a U.S. Consulate . A valid passport is required. Canadians may apply for TN status at an appropriate port of entry, or for a Canadian lawfully present in the United States, a US employer may file a petition with the USCIS to extend TN status or to change the individual's status to TN.

For Mexican citizens, petitions for TN status If outside of the United States, Mexicans must apply for a TN Visa at a US Consulate before entering the United States.

The general requirements for the two widely used occupations in the computer field are as follows:

Eligibility for a Computer Systems Analyst:

Possession of a baccalaureate degree (OR)
A postsecondary diploma/postsecondary certificate and 3 years' experience.

Eligibility for a Management Consultant:

Possession of a baccalaureate degree(OR)
Equivalent professional experience as established by statement or professional credential attesting to 5 years' experience as a management consultant.

Information Needed for TN Processing (Canadians only)