NAFTA Professional & Spouse or Child of NAFTA Professional

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) creates special economic and trade relationships for the United States (U.S.), Canada and Mexico. The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals, to work in the U.S. in a prearranged business activity for a U.S. or foreign employer. Permanent residents, including Canadian permanent residents, are not able to apply to work as a NAFTA professional.

Canadian citizens usually do not need a visa as a NAFTA Professional, although a visa can be issued to qualified TN visa applicants upon request. A Canadian citizen without a TN visa can apply at a U.S. port of entry. Learn about requirements and more on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Canadian citizens can also review information regarding TN visas through U.S. Embassy Ottawa's website.
 
When Does a Canadian NAFTA Professional Need a Visa? A Canadian residing in another country with a non-Canadian spouse and child would need a visa to enable the spouse and child to be able to apply for a visa to accompany or join the NAFTA Professional, as a TD visa holder. Canadians applying for a visa will follow the same documentation requirements as shown in the sections Mexican Citizens, Applying for a TN Visa, and Required Documentation.

For further information concerning a TN visa please visit the following link http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1274.html.

Applicants who wish to apply for NAFTA visa must come in person to the U.S. Embassy.  To schedule an appointment, please click here.

Documents required for NAFTA visa are:

1. A valid passport that has been signed by the applicant and, where applicable,
   
   
   • Previous passport with previously issued visa or
   • Police report in case of theft or loss of a previous passport with valid visa.  The report may be issued by a local police station or consular office or other foreign authority.
   • If you have ever been arrested and /or have a criminal conviction, have a medical ineligibility, or have been denied entry into or deported from the United States, you will be required to furnish documents relating to your situation in support of your application.
2. The paid duplicate receipt from Piraeus Bank (see step 3).
3. The printed confirmation page containing the barcode generated by the DS-160 online application form (see step 4).
4. One photograph that meets the required specifications (see step 5). Even if you have successfully uploaded the photo to the DS-160 please bring one with you on the day of your appointment. 

Reminder: We always recommend that individuals apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore, final travel plans or the purchase of non refundable ticket should not be made until a visa has been issued and you are in receipt of the passport.