Does the TN Visa Need Sponsorship? costs, Timeline & Employer Obligations.

What Is the TN Visa?

The TN Visa is a nonimmigrant classification under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) that allows qualified Canadian and Mexican professionals to enter the U.S. to work temporarily in specified occupations. It requires a bona fide job offer in one of the eligible professions, relevant credentials, and a supporting employer letter. Its purpose is to facilitate cross-border mobility of skilled workers in professional fields.

Common Job Roles Sponsored Under This Visa

• Scientists / Researchers
• Engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical)
• Computer Systems Analysts / IT Specialists
• Accountants / Auditors / Economists
• Nurses / Health Professionals (in some cases)
• Teachers / Professors
• Pharmacists
• Architects
• Management Consultants

(These roles must align with the official USMCA / NAFTA “Profession List” and their required qualifications.)

Employer Sponsorship Requirements for TN Visa

To support a TN visa application, an employer must:

1. Provide a valid job offer in a qualifying TN profession

2. Draft and sign a support letter on company letterhead that includes:  

• Description of job duties
• Employee’s qualifications (education, licensure, experience)
• Salary / compensation and terms (duration, full- or part-time)
• Dates of employment / anticipated duration

3. If the worker is applying from inside the U.S. (change or extension), file Form I-129 with USCIS and attach the support letter

4. Ensure compliance with ordinary employer obligations under U.S. labor law (wages, taxes, etc.)

5. Maintain that the worker continues to perform the role as described; significant deviation may risk noncompliance

How Much Does it Cost to Sponsor TN Visa?

Employers are not legally obligated to cover the costs of a TN visa – the applicant typically pays the requires fees.

However, employers may choose to help cover costs. These include:

• For Canadian applicants at a U.S. border: Processing fee of approximately USD 50 plus USD 6 I-94 issuance fee (paid by the applicant)
• If filing Form I-129 (change or extension): USCIS filing fee around USD 460
• If premium processing is used: Additional USCIS fee of approximately USD 2,500
• No labor certification, prevailing wage process, or mandatory employer levy is required

Estimated Timeline for Sponsoring TN Visa

Canadian applicants at border / pre-clearance:

• Decision may be same day at port of entry (1–2 weeks including preparation)

Mexican applicants via consulate / embassy:

• Appointment and processing times vary, often several weeks

Change of status / extension via USCIS (I-129):

• Approximately 1.5–3 months depending on service center

Premium processing (if used):

• USCIS adjudication in about 15 calendar days

Delays may occur if documentation is incomplete, qualification evidence is insufficient, or USCIS issues a request for additional evidence (RFE). The TN Visa is granted for up to three years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as eligibility and job conditions are maintained.

Alternative Hiring Solutions That Don’t Require Visa Sponsorship

While the TN Visa is simpler than many U.S. work visas, it still demands time, paperwork, and compliance oversight. A faster alternative is to hire talent where they are. 

With Playroll’s Employer of Record solution, companies can onboard top talent in 180+ countries – no U.S. entity or visa sponsorship required. Playroll does the heavy-lifting of contracts, payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance, helping teams scale globally at speed.