What Is the TN Visa and How It Can Benefit Your Company When Hiring Mexican Talent
In today’s global economy, access to highly skilled professionals across borders is a key factor in building competitive, high-performing teams. For U.S. companies looking to hire qualified Mexican professionals quickly and legally, the TN visa—created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA)—offers a streamlined and cost-effective solution.
This article breaks down what the TN visa is, who qualifies, and how your company can benefit from using it to hire top-tier Mexican talent.
What Is the TN Visa?
The TN (Trade NAFTA) visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows citizens of Mexico and Canada to work in the United States in pre-approved professional occupations. Unlike the H-1B visa, the TN visa:
- Has no annual cap
- Does not require labor condition applications (LCAs)
- Allows for fast processing and renewal
- Can be valid for up to 3 years, with indefinite renewals
While Canadians can apply at the port of entry, Mexican citizens must apply through a U.S. consulate with an employer offer in hand.
Which Professionals Are Eligible?
The TN visa only applies to specific occupations listed under the USMCA. For Mexican professionals, some of the most in-demand eligible positions include:
- Engineers (mechanical, electrical, civil, software, etc.)
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Accountants
- Architects
- Registered Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Graphic Designers
- Economists
- Scientists (biologists, chemists, etc.)
- University-level Teachers
To qualify, the candidate must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher in a field directly related to the job offer.
Key Benefits for U.S. Companies
Faster Time to Hire
Unlike the H-1B visa, which has strict filing windows and lottery restrictions, TN visas can be processed in a matter of weeks. This is ideal for startups, tech companies, or organizations that need to scale teams quickly.
Lower Costs
There is no need to go through the labor certification process or pay hefty petition fees associated with H-1B or PERM sponsorships. This makes the TN visa especially appealing for small and medium-sized companies.
Legal Compliance Made Easier
Because the TN visa has a clearly defined list of occupations and educational requirements, it helps employers stay compliant with U.S. immigration law—as long as the job offer and candidate meet the criteria.
Flexible and Renewable
The TN visa can be renewed indefinitely, offering long-term staffing flexibility without the legal hurdles of pursuing green cards or permanent residency upfront.
What Your Company Needs to Provide
To hire a Mexican national under the TN visa, your company must provide:
- A formal offer letter specifying:
- The job title (must match the approved TN list)
- Duties and responsibilities
- Employment duration (typically up to 3 years)
- Salary and location
- Proof that the role aligns with a TN-eligible profession
- Supporting documentation to verify that the candidate has the required education and credentials
Final Thoughts: Is the TN Visa Right for Your Company?
If your company is struggling to fill specialized roles, particularly in engineering, IT, architecture, healthcare, or finance, the TN visa is a powerful and underused hiring strategy. It allows you to:
- Access a vast pool of bilingual, highly qualified Mexican professionals
- Stay compliant with immigration law
- Avoid long wait times and excessive legal fees
Working with a partner specialized in international hiring or an Employer of Record (EOR) can help simplify the process even further, especially when navigating consular documentation and compliance.
Need Help Hiring Across Borders?
If you’re ready to explore TN visa hiring for your company, consider working with a trusted provider like Global Touch, which specializes in international compliance, payroll, and recruitment. We help U.S. companies legally and efficiently onboard top talent from Mexico and Latin America.