A TN visa is a special work visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens. It allows them to work in the U.S. temporarily for a U.S. employer. The required documents for a TN visa are the same for both Canadians and Mexicans, but missing even one can lead to delays or denial. Keep reading to learn about the full TN visa document checklist and boost your chances of approval.
What Are TN Visa Required Documents?
To get a TN visa, you must submit the correct documents that prove you meet U.S. immigration rules. Missing or incorrect paperwork can lead to delays or even denial. So, try your best to prepare all TN visa documents in the following checklist to avoid any denial:
Citizenship Documents
You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico for a TN visa. You better know that permanent residents do not qualify, even if they have lived in Canada or Mexico for many years. You need a valid passport to prove your citizenship. Don’t forget that without a valid passport, your application will be denied.
Job Offer Letter
Your job offer letter is one of the most important documents in your TN visa application. It must come from a U.S. employer and prove that your job qualifies for a TN visa. The letter must include:
- Job title that matches the TN visa professions list.
- Duties that align with the official job description.
- Salary with clear compensation details like hourly, monthly, or annual pay.
- Employment duration that must be temporary, not permanent.
Education & Experience Documents
To qualify for a TN visa, you must provide documents proving your education or work experience. These may include:
- Degree, diploma, or transcripts.
- Work experience letters.
- Credential evaluation for degrees earned outside the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.
Note: If your degree is from a foreign institution, you must submit an official evaluation to show it meets U.S. education standards.
Employer Supporting Documents
Your U.S. employer must provide certain documents to prove you qualify for a TN visa. These documents include a detailed job offer letter that clearly states your job title, duties, salary, and how long you will be working. As we mentioned above, the job must be temporary and fit the TN visa professions list.
Visa Application Forms and Payment Documents
Submitting the correct visa application form and proof of payment is essential for a successful TN visa application. The required documents include:
- Form DS-160 for Mexicans applying at a U.S. consulate.
- Form I-129 for extensions inside the U.S.
- Visa fee receipt as proof of payment before submission.
Additional Supporting Documents for a TN Visa
You may need to provide extra supporting documents to strengthen your TN visa application. These documents include:
- Certified translation of any non-English documents.
- Passport-size visa photos meeting U.S. visa photo requirements.
- Proof of intent to return, like a lease, mortgage, family ties, or a return flight ticket.
Professions That Qualify for a TN Visa
The U.S. has an official list of approved professions, and you must have a job that matches this list to apply. Your job title and duties should fit exactly with the TN visa requirements. Let’s see what jobs qualify for this visa:
- Medical and health-related occupations
- Science and engineering professions
- Engineering and technical occupations
- Education professions
- Business, finance, and management jobs
Avoid These Common Document Mistakes
Don’t do the following when preparing TN visa documents to avoid denials:
- Using a job title that does not match the official TN visa list.
- Writing vague or unclear job duties in the offer letter.
- Forgetting to include transcripts or a degree evaluation for foreign degrees.
- Making typos in your name, birthdate, or other personal details.
- Submitting an employer’s letter that lacks important details about your position.
Ensure TN Visa Approval with the Right Documents
Keep in mind that the more prepared you are, the smoother the process will be. So, do the following to boost your chance:
- Check eligibility and confirm your job title is on the TN visa list.
- Gather all required documents like your passport, job offer letter, and degree.
- Make sure your job offer letter matches TN visa requirements.
- Consult an expert if unsure about document requirements.
- Double-check all documents before your interview or border crossing.
TN Visa Documents​: Let’s Wrap Up
Taking everything into account, the TN visa offers a fast and reliable way for Canadians and Mexicans to work in the U.S. But one mistake in your documents can lead to delays or denial. To avoid delays, ensure your job offer letter, education credentials, and all required documents are accurate and complete. In this guide, we tried to answer all your questions regarding the TN visa document checklist. If you still have questions in mind, contact us for a free consultation.​
FAQs
Canadians often get same-day approval at the border and Mexicans usually wait 2-4 weeks, depending on the consulate.
You need a new job offer letter, updated supporting documents, and proof that your role still meets TN requirements.
Your employer must provide a detailed job offer letter that includes job title, salary, job duties, and employment duration.
No! The TN visa does not require sponsorship like an H-1B visa. However, you must have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
