TN Visa Glossary
Key immigration terms and acronyms explained in plain language.
CBP
U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The agency that processes TN visa applications at ports of entry and airport preclearance facilities.
DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Required for Mexican TN applicants applying at US consulates. Fee: $185.
Dual Intent
The ability to hold a temporary visa while intending to pursue permanent residence. TN does NOT allow dual intent; H-1B does.
EB-2 NIW
Employment-Based Second Preference National Interest Waiver. A green card path that doesn't require employer sponsorship or PERM labor certification.
Employer Support Letter
The letter from your US employer describing your job, qualifications, and temporary intent. The most critical document in a TN application.
Expedited Removal
A fast-track deportation process that can be triggered by a TN denial at a land border. Results in a 5-year entry bar.
I-129
Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker. The form employers file with USCIS to request TN status for an employee. Filing fee: $510-$1,615.
I-907
Request for Premium Processing Service. Guarantees USCIS action on an I-129 petition within 15 business days. Fee: $2,965.
I-94
Arrival/Departure Record. Issued at the border confirming your TN status, authorized stay duration, and employer. Costs $30 at land borders.
P.Eng
Professional Engineer license issued by Canadian provincial engineering associations. Strengthens TN Engineer applications.
PERM
Program Electronic Review Management. The labor certification process required for most employer-sponsored green cards (EB-2, EB-3).
Port of Entry
A designated location where travelers can enter the US. Canadians apply for TN status at land border crossings or airport preclearance facilities.
Preclearance
US CBP inspection facilities at Canadian airports. Allows TN applicants to clear US immigration before boarding their flight.
RFE
Request for Evidence. USCIS asks for additional documentation before making a decision on your petition. Common for complex cases.
Substantial Presence Test
IRS formula to determine US tax residency. If present 31+ days in current year AND formula total ≥ 183 days, you're a US tax resident.
TD Status
Trade Dependent status for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of TN visa holders. TD holders cannot work but can study.
TN Visa
A nonimmigrant work visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens in one of 63 USMCA-listed professions. No annual cap, no lottery, renewable indefinitely.
USCIS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Processes Form I-129 petitions for TN status changes and extensions filed by mail.
USMCA
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The trade agreement that replaced NAFTA in 2020 and provides the legal basis for TN visa status.
WES
World Education Services. A credential evaluation organization that assesses foreign degrees for US equivalency.