Comprehensive data compiled from USCIS reports, academic research, and policy analysis on the USMCA professional work visa
Key Takeaways
- Approval rates have recovered to 94.6% in Q2 2025 – After a dramatic dip to 57% in FY2024, the TN visa approval rate has rebounded, demonstrating renewed stability for Canadian and Mexican professionals seeking U.S. employment
- Mexican professionals now dominate TN visa usage at 58% – A complete reversal from 2006 when Canadians held 86% of TN visas, Mexican nationals have grown their share at a consistent 6% annual rate over three decades
- Engineers, healthcare workers, and mathematicians hold 70.7% of all TN visas – These three occupational categories drive the majority of TN visa activity, with engineering alone accounting for 41.9% of all approvals
- TN visa holders earn an average of $100,430 annually – Highly educated professionals (48% hold master's or doctoral degrees) command strong salaries across STEMM industries
- No annual cap offers unlimited opportunity – Unlike the H-1B's 85,000 limit, the TN visa has no numerical restrictions, making it the most accessible work visa option for USMCA citizens
- Five states employ over 50% of all TN workers – California, Texas, New York, Washington, and Michigan remain the primary employment destinations
TN Visa Approval Rates and Processing Trends
- TN visa approval rate increased from 93.4% in Q2 2024 to 94.6% in Q2 2025. This improvement in acceptance rates signals renewed stability for TN applicants after a volatile period. The nearly 95% approval rate demonstrates that properly prepared applications consistently succeed, making expert legal guidance from Alma's attorney-led platform particularly valuable for maximizing approval chances.
- Total adjudicated TN petitions increased 34.7% year-over-year, from 6,710 to 9,040. The dramatic petition volume rise between January-June 2024 and January-June 2025 reflects growing employer demand for North American professional talent. This surge indicates companies are increasingly recognizing the TN visa's advantages over cap-limited alternatives.
- TN visa overall approval rate dropped to 57% in FY2024, down from 82.4% in FY2023 and 90% historically. This precipitous decline represented a temporary but significant challenge for applicants during fiscal year 2024. The volatility underscores why working with experienced immigration attorneys—like those at Alma with a 99%+ approval rate—provides critical advantages during uncertain periods.
- 15,672 TN visas were issued in 2024 to USMCA professionals. According to the State Department's FY2024 data, this issuance volume reflects steady demand for North American professional talent despite policy fluctuations. The consistent issuance numbers demonstrate the TN visa's established role in U.S. workforce development.
- Denial rates from 2015-2023 averaged 8.7% for Canadian citizens and 9.4% for Mexican citizens. This relatively narrow denial gap between nationalities shows both populations face similar adjudication standards. The data confirms that proper preparation—not citizenship—determines application success.
TN Visa Nationality Distribution: The Mexican Surge
- Mexican TN professionals now comprise approximately 58% of all TN workers. With 137,591 of 236,727 workers in 2021-22 being Mexican nationals, the demographic composition has fundamentally shifted. This dominance represents one of the most significant transformations in U.S. professional immigration over the past three decades.
- Canadian TN professionals account for 41% of TN visa holders, down from 86% in 2006. This dramatic Canadian market decline reflects not reduced Canadian participation, but rather explosive Mexican growth. The shift demonstrates the TN visa's expanding role in North American labor mobility.
- Mexican TN employment has grown at an average annual rate of 6% over the past 30 years. This consistent growth trajectory shows sustained momentum in Mexican professional migration to the United States. Such reliable growth creates opportunities for businesses sponsoring TN professionals from Mexico.
- In 2023, 59% of TN visa holders were from Mexico and 41% were from Canada. This reversal of historical patterns marks a fundamental shift in North American professional mobility. Mexican professionals have not merely caught up—they now represent the clear majority of TN visa users.
- TN visa issuances increased over tenfold from 415 in 2003 to 4,741 in 2008. This exponential growth period followed the equalization of TN visa access for Mexican nationals. The surge demonstrated pent-up demand that continues driving program expansion today.
- By 2022, TN visa issuances had grown by 60% from 2019 levels. Despite pandemic disruptions, TN visa usage rebounded, demonstrating the category's resilience and continued employer demand.
TN Visa Professions List: What Jobs Qualify?
- Engineers account for 41.9% of all TN visa holders in 2023. As the highest occupational category, engineering dominates TN visa usage across all engineering disciplines. This concentration reflects both the technical nature of eligible professions and strong U.S. demand for engineering talent.
- Healthcare professionals increased their share to 18.2% of TN visa holders in 2023. The growing healthcare representation reflects critical workforce needs in medical, nursing, and allied health professions. Healthcare's rising share signals expanding opportunities for medical professionals from Canada and Mexico.
- Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries represent 17.01% average share of TN visas from 2013-2023. This substantial mathematical category includes data scientists, quantitative analysts, and actuaries serving the tech and finance sectors.
- Engineers, mathematicians, and healthcare professionals together accounted for 70.7% of all TN visa holders in 2023. This concentration in three groups demonstrates where TN visa opportunities are strongest. Professionals in these fields should consider the TN visa as a primary pathway to U.S. employment.
- For Mexican TN visa holders, engineering (42.0%) and healthcare (27.9%) represent approximately 70% of total visas in 2023. The occupational distribution for Mexicans shows even greater concentration in engineering and healthcare compared to overall averages.
Geographic Distribution: Where TN Professionals Work
- California has the highest percentage of TN visa holders at 16.70% in 2023, down from 28.52% in 2005. While California remains top destination, its dominance has declined as TN employment disperses across more states. This geographic diversification reflects broader economic development patterns.
- Texas ranks second with 13.50% of TN visas in 2023, up from 7.81% in 2005. The rise of Texas destination correlates with the state's economic growth and proximity to Mexico. Texas has nearly doubled its share of TN workers over two decades.
- Five states—California, Texas, New York, Washington, Michigan—accounted for 50.42% of total TN visa workers in 2023. This geographic concentration highlights where TN employment opportunities are most abundant. Job seekers should focus their efforts on these high-volume states.
- For Mexican TN visa holders, Texas is the top destination with 17.95% in 2023. Geographic proximity makes Texas the preferred destination for Mexican professionals, surpassing California for this population.
- For Canadian TN visa holders, California leads with 28.63% in 2023. California's tech industries attract Canadian professionals, with nearly three in ten Canadian TN workers employed in the state.
TN Visa Demographics and Compensation
- Average age of TN professionals is 38.52 years, with Mexican workers averaging 36.86 years and Canadian workers 40.81 years. The relatively young average age indicates TN professionals are primarily mid-career workers bringing substantial experience to U.S. employers.
- TN professionals are 55% male and 45% female overall. This near-parity gender distribution reflects diverse professional participation. Mexican TN holders skew slightly more male (58%) while Canadians approach even distribution (51% male).
- 48% of TN professionals possess a master's or doctoral degree. This high educational attainment—with 36% holding master's/professional degrees and 12% doctorates—demonstrates the caliber of TN visa holders.
- 21% of Canadian TN professionals hold doctoral degrees compared to only 6% of Mexican TN professionals. This educational credential gap reflects different occupational distributions, with Canadians more concentrated in research and academic roles.
- 65% of Mexican TN professionals hold a bachelor's degree, while only 33% of Canadian TN professionals hold just a bachelor's. The difference in credential levels reflects varying educational requirements across occupational categories.
- Average weekly wage for Canadian TN professionals is $2,810 compared to $1,623 for Mexican TN professionals. This wage differential reflects differences in occupation, credential levels, and industries rather than nationality-based discrimination.
- Average total annual income for TN professionals is $100,430. With Canadian and Mexican earnings of $132,530 and $77,301 respectively, TN visa holders earn well above U.S. median income levels.
How TN Compares to Other Work Visas
- TN visa approval rate of 57% in FY2024 made it the third most difficult visa to obtain, after H-1B at 20% and H-2B at 43%. This comparative ranking during a challenging year underscores the importance of thorough preparation. However, the Q2 2025 recovery to 94.6% demonstrates improvement.
- TN professionals represent 0.6% of all college-educated employees in TN-eligible occupations. Despite growth, TN workers remain small as a fraction of the total professional workforce, indicating room for continued expansion.
- The TN program size ranges from 17.5% to 35% of the H-1B program size. Depending on measurement methodology, TN visas represent significant portion of total professional work visas, demonstrating the program's importance.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
- STEMM fields contributed approximately 39% of U.S. GDP in 2023, and most TN visa holders work in these sectors. The economic concentration of workers in high-value industries demonstrates their contribution to American economic output.
- California, Texas, and New York—the top three states for TN workers—have contributed approximately 31.15% to U.S. GDP over the past decade. TN professionals concentrate in vital regions, reinforcing their significance to U.S. productivity.
- STEMM positions are projected to increase by 10.5% between 2023 and 2033. This projected job growth indicates continued demand for TN professionals in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.
- The 2026 USMCA Review could affect TN visa provisions. The mandatory agreement review creates potential uncertainty, making current applications particularly time-sensitive for professionals considering TN status.
Path to Permanence: From TN Visa to Green Card
While the TN visa is classified as a non-immigrant visa without "dual intent," many TN holders eventually pursue employment-based green cards. Common pathways include:
- EB-1A/EB-1B – For those demonstrating extraordinary ability or outstanding research
- EB-2 NIW – For professionals whose work serves the national interest
- EB-2/EB-3 PERM – Traditional employer-sponsored permanent residence
The transition requires careful planning to maintain valid status throughout the green card process. Alma's legal team provides strategic guidance on timing and approach for TN holders pursuing permanent residence.
Cost Considerations: TN Visa Fees and Services
Understanding the complete cost structure helps professionals and employers budget appropriately. Alma's transparent pricing for TN visa services includes:
- TN New: $3,000
- TN Extension/Change/Amendment: $2,500
- Administrative charges (FedEx, printing, postage): Included
- Up to 3 attorney consultation calls: Included
- Platform access for case tracking: Included
These fees cover attorney preparation, paralegal support, compliance review, and Alma's technology platform. USCIS filing fees are additional, paid directly to the government.
For startups sponsoring TN professionals, Alma offers special pricing through partner VC and accelerator relationships, including Y Combinator and Techstars portfolio companies.
Maximizing Your Chances: Tips for Success
Given the volatility in approval rates (from 90% historically to 57% in FY2024 to 94.6% in Q2 2025), proper preparation matters more than ever:
Documentation Best Practices:
- Secure a detailed job offer letter specifying TN-eligible professional duties
- Gather credentials demonstrating qualification (degrees, licenses, certifications)
- Prepare supporting evidence of professional experience
- Ensure job duties align precisely with TN category requirements
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Mismatched job title and actual duties
- Insufficient credential documentation
- Vague or generic employer support letters
- Applying under incorrect TN category
The Value of Expert Legal Counsel: Alma's 99%+ approval rate reflects the difference experienced immigration attorneys make. With guaranteed 2-week turnaround, transparent pricing, and full case tracking, Alma transforms complex immigration processes into manageable workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average processing time for a TN visa?
Processing times vary by application method. Canadian citizens can apply directly at U.S. ports of entry for same-day decisions. Mexican citizens must apply at U.S. consulates, typically receiving decisions within a few weeks. USCIS mail-in applications generally take 2-4 months. Alma's 2-week preparation guarantee ensures your application is ready quickly, though government processing times remain outside any attorney's control.
Can I apply for a TN visa at a U.S. port of entry?
Canadian citizens can apply for TN status directly at Class A ports of entry or preclearance locations by presenting required documentation to CBP officers. Mexican citizens must apply at U.S. consulates and cannot use the port of entry process. This procedural difference gives Canadians easier access to TN compared to Mexican nationals.
What are the most common reasons for TN visa denial?
Common denial reasons include misaligned job duties with TN categories, insufficient educational credentials, inadequate proof of professional experience, and poorly drafted employer support letters. The FY2024 approval rate drop demonstrated increased scrutiny, making thorough preparation essential.
Can my spouse and children accompany me on a TN visa?
Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 can obtain TD (TN Dependent) status. TD dependents may study in the U.S. but cannot work. For dependent filing services, check Alma's pricing for I-539 dependent applications.
Can a TN visa holder work for multiple employers?
TN status is employer-specific, meaning you can only work for the employer who sponsored your TN visa. However, you can obtain additional TN authorizations for concurrent employment with other employers, each requiring separate applications. Alma's business immigration platform helps companies manage multi-employer TN scenarios.
How does the TN visa renewal process work?
TN status can be renewed indefinitely in three-year increments. Renewal applications follow similar procedures to initial applications—Canadians at ports of entry, Mexicans at consulates, or either nationality through USCIS mail-in filing. There is no limit on the number of renewals, though long-term TN holders should consider eventual green card pathways to secure permanent status.
