TN Status

Eligibility
TN status is available to Canadian and Mexican citizens who will be employed in specific occupations, click here for the Department of State TN visa section. To qualify for a TN at UT Southwestern, one must be an employee (no stipends) status. TN status is only valid for the employer for which it was initially issued. As with all other non-immigrant visas, persons in TN status are required to schedule a check-in interview with the International Affairs Office on or before the first day of employment.

After you have been offered a position and support of TN status by a UT Southwestern faculty member/supervisor, the International Affairs Office will assist you in applying for TN status.

For Canadians - Obtaining a TN Visa

If you are a Canadian citizen outside the U.S.
You will need to take the following to the airport or port of entry:

1.) proof of Canadian citizenship;

2.) letter of invitation from UT Southwestern which describes position to be held, salary, and length of initial appointment (not to exceed 1 year);

3.) copy of highest degree earned (baccalaureate minimum);

4.) copy of any applicable state license;

5.) filing fee of $60.

If you are a Canadian citizen inside the U.S.
You will need all of the above (except filing fee), plus:

6.) I-129 application to change status (completed by the International Affairs Office),

7.) filing fee: $320.

For Mexicans - Obtaining a TN Visa

If you are a Mexican citizen outside the U.S.
You will need to obtain a TN visa stamp from a US embassy/consulate in Mexico. In addition to the routine required forms you will need to take:

1.) proof of Mexican citizenship;

2.) letter of invitation from UT Southwestern which describes position to be held, salary, and length of initial appointment (not to exceed 1 year);

3.) copy of highest degree earned (baccalaureate minimum);

4.) copy of any applicable state license;

If you are a Mexican citizen inside the U.S.
You will need all of the above, plus:

5.) I-129 application to change status (completed by the International Affairs Office),

6.) filing fee: $320.

The visa process for Mexican nationals is much more complicated than for Canadian nationals. Please contact the International Office for information about the Mexican TN visa.

Length of Stay and Extensions
TN status may be approved for up to one year initially, and may be renewed annually for an indefinite number of years. Once you are employed at UT Southwestern, the International Affairs Office will assist you with the annual extensions of your TN status. Extensions may be processed by mail in the U.S. or when you travel home.

Dependents
You may bring your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 with you in TD status. Individuals in TD status are not allowed to work in the U.S.