TN-1 Visa for College, University, and Seminary Professors

The TN-1 visa 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 on behalf of a U.S. employer. 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 included in Appendix 1603.D.1 of NAFTA are listed below.

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. Mexican nationals must obtain a visa stamp in their passport prior to entering the US in TN status.

The TN category allows for an initial entry of up to three (3) years, with three (3) year extensions available for (but not limited to) the following occupations and for those meeting the associated requirements:

College-Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Seminary-Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
University-Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree