TN Visa Program

The Trade Nafta (TN) Visa is a U.S. work authorization program established under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly known as NAFTA.

It provides a streamlined, reliable pathway for qualified citizens of Mexico and Canada to work legally in the United States in professional, managerial, and supervisory positions. Within the hospitality industry, this includes strong opportunities under the “Hotel Manager” category, which encompasses a wide range of operational, administrative, and leadership roles across hotel departments.

The TN Visa can be issued for an initial period of up to four (4) years. After that, TN status may be renewed or extended indefinitely in three-year increments, as long as you continue meeting the eligibility requirements.

Important: The TN status is a temporary, non-immigrant classification. Applicants must maintain a clear intention to return to their home country at the end of their authorized stay.

The TN Visa application process is more streamlined and straightforward than most U.S. employment visas — and AJ1 will guide you at every step.

🇨🇦 Process for Canadian Citizens: 2 - 4 weeks

No visa appointment is required, therefore, you can apply directly at a U.S. port of entry (land border or airport pre-clearance).

• Canadian nationals seeking TN Status often receive a same-day decision, with immediate admission into the United States if approved.

🇲🇽 Process for Mexican Citizens: 3 - 4 months

You must apply for a TN Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico before traveling.

• Processing times can vary depending on the location, but typically take a few weeks (including appointment scheduling and visa issuance).

🇺🇸 Applicants already in the U.S.

If you are changing employers or extending your stay, your employer can file an I-129 petition with USCIS to obtain/extend TN Status without leaving the country.

• Standard processing may take several months, while Premium processing guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days.

The Hospitality sector offers a wide range of leadership and professional roles across hotels, resorts and country clubs. TN-eligible opportunities can be found across a variety of departments, including:

• Food & Beverage

• Culinary

• Front Office and Guest Services

• Rooms Division and Housekeeping

• Sales & Marketing

• Events & Conference Services

• Human Resources

• Accounting

• Engineering & Facilities

Roles may vary depending on the employer’s needs, the scale of the property, and the applicant’s qualifications. Candidates with a strong hospitality background, proven leadership experience, solid English proficiency, and the appropriate academic credentials will generally access the widest range of opportunities.

A TN visa holder is authorized to work exclusively for the employer named on their approved TN application. If you wish to change employers at any point, a new TN application is required and must be approved prior to starting work with the new organization.

If the TN holder is already in the United States, the new employer may file a Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS to request a change of employer. Alternatively, the TN holder may exit the United States and apply for a new TN admission in their home country, following the appropriate consular or port-of-entry process.

AJ1’s TN Program includes a program fee that covers the administrative, advisory, and compliance services required for your participation in the TN visa process. In most cases the TN Program fee is paid by the employer, however, each property has its own internal policies regarding TN visas and international recruitment.

Depending on the employer the fee may be:

• Paid fully upfront by the employer

• Covered through payroll deductions or salary offsets

• Reimbursed after a set period of employment

• Paid directly by the participant

Regardless of the arrangement, AJ1 will clearly disclose all fees, payment structures, and expectations so that you can make an informed decision before accepting any job offer.

Government Fees

Participants are responsible for paying the standard fees required by the U.S. government:

• U.S. Embassy/Consulate Application Fee (MRV): $185 USD (paid before scheduling your interview)

• Visa Issuance/Reciprocity Fee (paid only if your visa is approved)

  • 1-Year Visa: $104 USD, 4-Year Visa: $384 USD

*These fees are set by the U.S. government and are subject to change.

Travel and Other Personal Expenses

Participants should also budget for additional costs, which may vary based on location and personal preferences:

• Travel – costs to attend your visa interview and to travel to your employer’s location in the United States.

• Health Insurance – strongly recommended from your arrival in the United States until your employer-provided plan begins. AJ1 can assist with short-term coverage to ensure continuous protection.

• Optional Services – such as document translation, travel booking assistance, or other personal arrangements.

Yes. A TN visa holder may bring eligible family members — their spouse and unmarried children under 21 — to the United States under TD (Trade Dependent) status.

TD status is directly linked to the TN holder’s status and remains valid for the same duration as the principal TN visa.

The process for dependents generally parallels that of the TN applicant:

• Canadian citizen dependents do not require a visa. At the U.S. port of entry, they must present proof of Canadian citizenship, proof of relationship to the TN visa holder (e.g., marriage or birth certificate), and a copy of the TN holder’s admission documents.

• Mexican citizen dependents must obtain a TD visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling, where they must present proof of Mexican citizenship, proof of relationship to the TN visa holder (e.g., marriage or birth certificate), and a copy of the TN holder’s admission documents. Their appointment may be scheduled on the same day as the TN applicant or after the TN applicant receives approval.

Key Considerations:

1. TD dependents cannot work in the United States, but they may study full- or part-time.

2. AJ1 can provide general guidance on the TD process; however, each dependent must meet the application requirements set by the U.S. government.