The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has played a significant role in fostering economic cooperation and facilitating cross-border mobility between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. One of the key benefits of NAFTA is the NAFTA visa program, which allows professionals to work temporarily in each other’s countries
What is NAFTA program and Who can apply?
The NAFTA visa program enables qualified professionals from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to work in designated professional categories across borders.
Under the NAFTA visa program, professionals in various fields, including engineering, business, science, and information technology, can qualify for temporary work permits. The specific requirements vary depending on the profession, but typically involve having a job offer from an employer in the host country and possessing the necessary qualifications and experience.
One of the major advantages of the NAFTA visa program is the streamlined application process. Compared to other work visa programs, NAFTA visas offer expedited processing times and reduced documentation requirements. This efficient process allows qualified professionals to transition seamlessly into their new roles, contributing to the workforce and economy of the host country.
Only citizens of Canada and Mexico are eligible for a nonimmigrant NAFTA professional (TN) visa. It grants the holder temporary entry into the United States for business at a professional level.
Canadians and Mexicans may be eligible to work in the United States as NAFTA professionals under the following conditions:
- Applicant is a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
- Profession is on the NAFTA list;
- Position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional;
- Applicant will work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for an employer (see Required Documentation). Self employment is not permitted;
- Applicant has the qualifications, meeting the specific requirements, education, and/or experience, of the profession.