- Who it's for
- Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed USMCA professions
- Initial validity
- Up to 3 years; renewable with no maximum
- Annual cap
- None
- Government Processing Time
- Same day at a port of entry (Canadians); consular wait times (Mexicans)
- Dependents
- TD status (no work authorization)
- Gale fee
- $2,000
Who qualifies for the TN
- Canadian or Mexican citizenship (permanent residency in those countries doesn't qualify).
- A U.S. job offer in a profession on the USMCA Appendix 1603.D.1 list.
- The degree, license or credentials required for that profession.
- Non-immigrant intent (temporary employment).
TN timeline
| Stage | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Profession match and credential review | 2–3 days |
| Support letter drafting and review | 1 week |
| Port-of-entry or consular adjudication | Same day (border) / varies by consulate |
TN cost: Gale and government fees
Gale charges a flat fee (platform fee plus attorney legal fee) for the initial TN filing, and RFE responses are usually included. Government fees are paid directly to the agency at cost. See the full fee schedule or estimate your total with the visa cost calculator.
| Filing | Gale price (platform + legal fee) |
|---|---|
| New petition | $2,000 |
| Extension | $2,000 |
| Change of employer | $2,000 |
| Amendment | $2,000 |
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CBP processing fee (Canadians at the border) | $50 | Plus the I-94 fee |
| Consular visa fee (Mexicans) | $185 | Non-petition-based MRV fee |
| Form I-129 (E & TN), if filed in the U.S. | $1,015 | $510 for 25 or fewer FTEs; plus Asylum Program Fee |
Documents you'll need
- Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship
- Job offer / TN support letter describing the profession and duties
- Degree diplomas, transcripts and any required licenses
- Credential evaluation for degrees from outside the U.S., Canada or Mexico
How Gale handles the TN
Gale's software handles intake, document collection, drafting and tracking. An experienced network attorney owns strategy, legal judgment and final sign-off on every petition.
- Intake on the Gale platformHR starts the case in minutes; the employee completes a guided questionnaire and uploads documents to a checklist built for the visa type.
- Attorney strategy reviewA network attorney confirms the job fits a listed profession; mismatches between title and duties are the main cause of denials.
- Petition preparationGale drafts the TN support letter mapped to the exact USMCA profession title and assembles credentials into a border-ready packet.
- Attorney sign-off and filingThe attorney reviews the packet, preps the employee for the CBP or consular interview, or files an I-129 for extensions in the U.S.
- Tracking and responseGale tracks the USCIS receipt and status in one dashboard. If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, the attorney prepares the response, usually included in the flat fee.
Related visa information pages
The H-1B lets U.S.
Read more E-3Australian Specialty OccupationThe E-3 is a U.S.
Read more O-1AExtraordinary AbilityThe O-1A is a U.S.
Read moreReady to start a TN case?
Talk with our team about timing, strategy and cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is software engineer a TN profession?
Software engineer isn't listed by that title. Roles are usually filed as Engineer (requiring an engineering degree) or Computer Systems Analyst. The duties and the employee's degree must match the category.
Can a TN holder get a green card?
Yes, but TN requires non-immigrant intent, so timing matters. Many employers move TN employees to H-1B or O-1 status, which allow dual intent, before filing an I-140 or I-485.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and processing times change frequently. Confirm current details with USCIS or a licensed immigration attorney.