Which jobs qualify for a TN visa?

FAQ.

Answered by Diane Rish, Deputy Director of the International Student Resource Center

Last updated: July, 2026

Which jobs qualify for a TN visa?

Only specific “professional” occupations agreed upon by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada under the USMCA qualify. Most require at least a bachelor’s degree. Both the job and your own qualifications must match an occupation on the regulated list.

For TN purposes, “professional” does not mean any white-collar job — it is limited to the occupations the three countries agreed upon as part of the trade agreement (formerly NAFTA, now the USMCA). Most of these occupations require at least a bachelor’s degree, and many roles people ordinarily think of as “professional” are included. You can confirm whether your occupation is covered by checking the list of eligible professions in the regulations.

Qualifying is a two-part match. First, the U.S. job you are offered must require a professional as defined in the USMCA. Second, you must have the appropriate qualifications for that profession, including any education or experience requirements. The position must be a prearranged full-time or part-time job for an employer — self-employment is not permitted under the TN category.