TN (Canadian and Mexican Nationals) Information

Created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the TN category facilitates the entry of qualified citizens from Canada and Mexico to temporarily engage in professional business activities in the United States. TN status can be granted to eligible employees in increments of up to three years.

TN status is only available for eligible employees in specific occupations outlined under NAFTA and listed in NATFA's Appendix 1603.D.1.

Employee Eligibility

• Employee must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
• Employee must possess the qualifications and necessary license as per the designated occupation.
• Employment must be temporary and cannot be used to bring tenure-track faculty.
• Employee's degree must have been earned from an institution located in Canada, Mexico or the U.S. (If the employee's degree is from somewhere else, a credential evaluation must be done for equivalency.)

If your department is planning to hire an individual who you believe would be in need of TN status, please contact Stephanie Brown (sbrown11@niu.edu).

U.S. Permanent Residence

Also known as a green card, a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status permits noncitizens and their dependents to permanently remain and be employed in the United States.