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TN Visa Classification

Visa Application and Entry to the United States

Detailed information for each Duke Sponsored visa category can be found on our Visa Application and Entry into the United States webpage.

Overview of the NAFTA TN category

Duke Visa Services (DVS) designed this information to provide the Duke community a very general overview of the NAFTA TN classification. Duke Administrators interested in pursuing this category for a Canadian or Mexican national Duke employee should contact their Visa Services Department Liaison.

The NAFTA TN Classification

The TN nonimmigrant classification permits qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in business activities at a professional level. Among the types of professionals who are eligible to seek admission as TN nonimmigrants are accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers. The complete Designated Profession List covers all professions thst qualify for the NAFTA TN category.
A NAFTA TN applicant must meet the following criteria:
  • Citizen of Canada or Mexico (not a Landed Immigrant).
  • The profession qualifies under the regulations.
  • The position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional.
  • Pre-arranged full-time or part-time job is available with a United States employer. Self- employment does not qualify for the NAFTA TN category.
  • The applicant has the qualifications to practice in the profession in question.
Note: Clinical activities as a physician are permitted ONLY by those with faculty appointments and only when they are incidental to their teaching and research activities. Faculty who will have any patient care responsibilities must obtain an appropriate license for the appointment from the North Carolina Board of Medical Examiners prior to applying for the visa.
The initial period of stay is up to 3 years. Extensions can also be granted up to 3-year increments.