How Much Does It Cost to Hire Through a TN Visa?
Costs, Timelines, and Required Documentation for U.S. Employers
Hiring skilled Mexican professionals through the TN visa is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways for U.S. companies to onboard international talent—especially in fields like engineering, architecture, finance, healthcare, and IT. However, employers still need to understand the real costs, processing times, and required documents to avoid delays and ensure full compliance.
In this article, we’ll break down the actual expenses associated with the TN visa, the average time it takes to complete the process, and a detailed checklist of the documentation needed from both the U.S. employer and the Mexican employee.
What Is the TN Visa?
The TN (Trade NAFTA) visa, now governed under the USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement), allows eligible Mexican and Canadian citizens to work in the U.S. in pre-approved professional occupations. These include jobs like:
- Engineers (civil, software, electrical, etc.)
- Accountants
- Nurses
- Architects
- Scientists
- Computer Systems Analysts
For a full list of TN-eligible occupations, consult the U.S. Department of State’s TN Visa Professions List.
What Are the Real Costs of Hiring With a TN Visa?
While the TN visa is significantly cheaper than H-1B or other work visa categories, there are still a few direct and indirect costs to consider. Here’s a breakdown:
For Mexican Citizens (Applying via U.S. Consulate):
| Expense | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| DS-160 Application Fee | $185 |
| Visa Issuance Fee (may apply, varies) | $0 – $100 (depending on reciprocity) |
| Courier/Document Services (optional) | $20 – $50 |
| Translation/Notarization of Documents (optional) | $20 – $100 |
| Total Estimated Cost (applicant) | $185 – $350 |
For U.S. Employers:
| Expense | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Job Offer Preparation | Internal cost only (no government fee) |
| Legal Assistance (optional) | $500 – $2,000 |
| Immigration/HR Support (if outsourced) | Varies |
| Total Estimated Cost (employer) | $0 – $2,000+ |
Tip: Hiring through a TN visa does not require filing a Labor Condition Application (LCA), PERM certification, or paying high USCIS fees—unlike the H-1B. This is one reason why many small- and mid-sized companies prefer the TN route.
How Long Does the TN Visa Process Take?
For Mexican Citizens (Consular Processing)
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| DS-160 Form + Visa Interview Appointment | 1–3 weeks |
| Visa Interview + Approval | 1–2 business days |
| Visa Issuance + Travel to the U.S. | 1–5 business days |
Total Time: Typically 2 to 4 weeks, depending on appointment availability at the nearest U.S. consulate. You can check current visa appointment wait times on the U.S. State Department’s official website.
For Canadians (Port of Entry)
While this article focuses on Mexican professionals, note that Canadian citizens can apply directly at the port of entry—making the TN visa process even faster.
Required Documentation
Whether you’re a U.S. company hiring or a Mexican engineer applying, here’s what both parties will need to prepare:
For the U.S. Employer:
- A detailed job offer letter with:
- Job title (must match TN profession)
- Start/end dates
- Duties aligned with the TN category
- Work location
- Salary and conditions
- Company letterhead and signature from an authorized manager
For the Mexican Employee:
- Valid Mexican passport
- Copy of bachelor’s degree or higher, translated to English (must match the TN role)
- Transcripts (optional, but often helpful)
- Resume (optional but recommended)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Proof of ties to Mexico (optional, but may help prove non-immigrant intent)
- Visa appointment confirmation and payment receipt
👉 The U.S. Embassy in Mexico provides an updated checklist for TN visa applicants. You can find it here:
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico – TN Visa Instructions
How Can Employers Simplify the TN Hiring Process?
Even though the TN visa is relatively simple, many employers prefer to work with:
- Immigration attorneys who can review documentation and prepare offer letters
- HR consultants familiar with cross-border hiring
- Employer of Record (EOR) partners who can support compliance, payroll, and onboarding in both Mexico and the U.S.
This is especially useful if you’re hiring multiple engineers or professionals or if you’re a startup without a formal legal or HR team.
Final Thoughts
Hiring Mexican professionals under the TN visa is affordable, fast, and low-risk compared to other employment-based visas. With costs as low as $185 and total timelines under a month, it’s one of the most accessible international hiring tools available to U.S. employers.
TL;DR: TN Visa Hiring Snapshot
- Total cost (per applicant): ~$185–$350
- Employer cost: $0–$2,000 (mostly legal or HR support)
- Processing time: 2–4 weeks
- Best for: Engineers, architects, accountants, nurses, and other licensed professionals
Need help expanding your team across borders?
Global Touch specializes in guiding U.S. companies through compliant international hiring—including TN visa support, Employer of Record (EOR) services, and cross-border onboarding.