Top Recruitment – Leading Talent Acquisition Agency

Work Legally in the U.S. Through the TN1 Visa

We help Canadian professionals find jobs in the U.S., handle the TN1 process, and guide you from start to finish.

Work Legally in the U.S.Through the TN1 Visa

We help Canadian professionals find jobs in the U.S., handle the TN1 process, and guide you from start to finish.

Understanding Today’s North American Job Market

More Openings. More Growth. More Potential in the U.S.
Canada and the U.S. offer different economic landscapes for professionals. While Canada provides stability and a high quality of life, the U.S. market is currently showing stronger growth in emerging industries and innovation-driven sectors. Exploring cross-border opportunities under the TN1 visa can open new doors without cutting ties to Canada.
Canada
United States

Tech Sector Growth

Steady, competitive

High growth, innovation-driven

AI & Emerging Tech

Early adoption phase

Leading in AI, robotics, biotech

AI Startup Ecosystem

Growing support in key cities

Largest global capital & VC access

Healthcare Expansion

Moderate growth

Strong demand across all states

Engineering Opportunities

Limited senior openings

Broad demand across industries

Compensation Levels

Competitive, but taxed higher

Generally higher take-home salaries

Remote Work Flexibility

Improving

Widely adopted and normalized

Work Visa Options

N/A (domestic)

TN1 Visa available for Canadians

Renewable with no strict time limitations

No requirement to prove a lack of qualified U.S. workers

Fast processing at the border or airport (You can start work ASAP)

No Department of Labor wage requirements

No annual quota or cap limits

No sponsorship obligations for employers — it is a petition, not a sponsorship

No set salary threshold — start modestly, negotiate later based on performance

TN1 Visa Benefits for Canadian Professionals

A Simple, Efficient Path to U.S.-Based Roles
The TN1 Visa is a streamlined option for Canadian professionals to work in the U.S. without the wait times, wage restrictions, or sponsorship complexities associated with other visa types.

How Does TN1 Compare to H-1B?

More Openings. More Growth. More Potential in the U.S.

How Does TN1 Compare to H-1B?

Why TN1 Is Often the More Flexible, Faster Option
TN1 Visa
H-1B Visa

Processing Time

Border Application (Immediate)

2-6+ Months (USCIS Filing)

Annual Cap

No Limit

85,000 Cap

Renewal Limits

Unlimited Renewals

Max 6 Years

Prevailing Wage

Not Required

Required

Employer Petition

Simple Letter

Formal USCIS Petition

Start Timeline

Immediate

Delayed

The TN1 Visa Application Process

Here’s How It Works, Step-by-Step

Submit your resume through our form

We evaluate your eligibility and connect with a U.S. consulting firm

Consulting firm prepares the petition letter

Documentation and legal support is provided

You attend your TN1 visa interview at the border or preclearance

Once approved, you start your role in the U.S.

Note: A documentation processing fee is applicable.

Employer Testimonials

providing a comprehensive suite of services designed to drive business growth, enhance digital presence, and optimize operational efficiency.

Devid Elson
Devid Elson COO of NexaCore Industries

providing a comprehensive suite of services designed to drive business growth, enhance digital presence, and optimize operational efficiency.

Devid Elson
Devid Elson COO of NexaCore Industries

providing a comprehensive suite of services designed to drive business growth, enhance digital presence, and optimize operational efficiency.

Devid Elson
Devid Elson COO of NexaCore Industries

providing a comprehensive suite of services designed to drive business growth, enhance digital presence, and optimize operational efficiency.

Devid Elson 1
Devid Elson 1 COO of NexaCore Industries

Submit Your Resume for TN1 Visa Assessment

Begin your TN1 Visa journey with a quick eligibility review.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Resume Form

Contact Information

Work Eligibility & Background

Are you a Canadian Citizen?
Do you currently hold a valid passport?
Are you currently employed?
Highest Level of Education Completed:

Professional Information

Years of Experience:

Upload Resume

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.

TN1 Readiness

Have you previously held a TN1 Visa?
If your degree is not from North America, do you have your educational and WES evaluations ready?
How soon are you available to work in the U.S.?

Additional Info (Optional)

I consent to TopRecruitment.co reviewing my profile and contacting me regarding TN1 visa opportunities and related services. (Required)
Contact Information
Work Eligibility & Background
Professional Information
TN1 Readiness
Additional Info (Optional)
Consent & Submission

TN1 Visa Questions? We Have Answers.

Common Questions from Canadian Professionals
What is a TN1 Visa and who is it for?

The TN1 Visa is a special U.S. work visa under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) for Canadian citizens working in certain professional occupations. It allows you to work for a U.S. employer for up to 3 years, with the possibility of renewal.

To qualify, you must:

– Be a Canadian citizen (not PR)

– Have a job offer in the U.S. for a role listed under the USMCA TN Occupation List

– Meet the education and experience requirements for that occupation

– Intend to work temporarily (no immigrant intent)

Yes. Canadian citizens can apply directly at a U.S. Port of Entry (P.O.E.), including airports, land borders, and seaports. You must bring your complete application package and be ready to start working immediately.

Only when you’re ready to enter the U.S. and start your job. You cannot apply weeks in advance and return later to begin work.

Choose a high-volume Port of Entry, preferably between Canada and the U.S., as officers there are more experienced with TN1 cases. Avoid entering from third countries like Mexico.

  • You’ll need:

  • A valid Canadian passport (6+ months remaining)

  • A Job Offer Letter from the U.S. employer

  • Proof of qualifications (degree, license, experience)

  • TN1 support letter outlining job duties and qualifications

  • Any relevant certificates or diplomas

  • Organized, clear copies of all documents (preferably in color)

  • The interview is usually brief. Expect questions like:

  • Why do you want to work in the U.S.?

  • What is your job title and what will you do?

  • Who is your employer?

  • How long do you plan to stay?

  • What are your ties to Canada?

Ties are personal or professional commitments (like family, home, or long-term plans) that show you’re likely to return to Canada. Immigration officers use this to assess your temporary intent.

Stay calm. Ask the Immigration Officer why it was rejected, take notes, and remain professional. If threatened with Expedited Removal, request to withdraw your application to avoid a ban.

Yes, but only after addressing the reason for rejection. Do not apply at another P.O.E. with the same documents—officers will see your prior denial.

Yes, there is no limit on renewals if you continue to meet the requirements and maintain temporary intent.

  1. Reapply at the border: lower cost, immediate result, but requires travel.

  2. Mail to USCIS: more convenient, higher fees, and longer processing time.

You have:

  • Up to 60 days if your TN is still valid

  • 10 days if your job and TN end together You cannot work during this grace period.

Yes, but you must reapply with a new TN1 application. You can do this at the border or through USCIS (Form I-129).

Not directly. TN1 is a non-immigrant visa. You must switch to an H-1B visa first, then begin the Green Card process.

  • Review your documents thoroughly

  • Be able to explain your job role clearly

  • Dress professionally

  • Be organized and polite

  • Avoid traveling with large moving trucks—it may imply permanent intent

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has automated the I-94 process. You can retrieve your electronic I-94 online at cbp.gov/I94.

Yes. Ensure your I-94 is marked ‘Multiple Entry’. Keep it attached to your passport and confirm the dates match your visa duration. Be cautious—Canadian officers sometimes mistakenly remove it.

You may contact the Vermont Service Center to send a confirmation of your visa to your Port of Entry. However, if you anticipate needing to travel, it’s safer to renew at the border.

  • At the border: $50 application + $6 per I-94

  • By mail: $460 for the I-129 + $370 for dependents (I-539)

You can apply up to 6 months in advance but no later than 45 days before your current TN status expires.

Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can accompany you under TD (Trade Dependent) status, but they cannot work in the U.S.

  • You have the same labor rights as U.S. citizens. Your employer cannot terminate you just because you’re on a temporary visa.

  • You may have to file in both Canada and the U.S.

  • Report foreign accounts >$10,000

  • Report RRSP/401K gains

  • Use foreign tax credits to avoid double taxation

  • Consult a cross-border tax specialist for best results.

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