TN vs H-1B: which US visa is right for you?
For Canadian and Mexican professionals, the TN visa under USMCA avoids the H-1B lottery and annual cap, but covers only listed professions and does not lead directly to a green card.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | TN USMCA Professional Visa (TN) | H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa (H-1B) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | For Canadian and Mexican professionals in qualifying occupations under the USMCA agreement. | For professionals in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree, sponsored by a US employer. |
| Government cost | ~US$56 application at a port of entry (Canadians); ~US$185 visa fee for Mexicans | ~US$780 base I-129 petition fee plus US$215 registration and ACWIA, fraud and Asylum Program fees (employer-paid) |
| Processing time | ~Same day at the border for Canadians; weeks for Mexican consular applicants | ~Several months; ~15 days with US$2,805 premium processing |
| Length of stay | Up to 3 years per entry, renewable indefinitely | Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years (longer with a pending green card) |
| Where to apply | Canadians at the border/airport; Mexicans at a US consulate | US employer files petition; visa stamped at a consulate abroad |
| Work rights | Work for the sponsoring employer in a listed profession | Employment only for the petitioning employer in the named role |
| Pathway to PR | No dual intent; pursuing a green card requires switching to a dual-intent category. | Dual intent allowed; common route to a green card via employer PERM/EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship. |
Which is right for you?
TN USMCA Professional Visa (TN)
For Canadian and Mexican professionals in qualifying occupations under the USMCA agreement.
Full TN guide →H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa (H-1B)
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree, sponsored by a US employer.
Full H-1B guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, TN or H-1B?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, TN USMCA Professional Visa (TN) is the lowest at ~US$56 application at a port of entry (Canadians); ~US$185 visa fee for Mexicans. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, TN or H-1B?
Indicatively H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa (H-1B) is the quickest at ~Several months; ~15 days with US$2,805 premium processing. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between TN and H-1B?
TN USMCA Professional Visa (TN) is for for Canadian and Mexican professionals in qualifying occupations under the USMCA agreement. H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa (H-1B) is for for professionals in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree, sponsored by a US employer.