US work visas for Canadian citizens

Special work authorization for Canadian and Mexican citizens under USMCA (formerly NAFTA).

Processing time

Same-day at port of entry or preclearance

Validity

3 years, renewable indefinitely

Government fees

$50 TN + $30 I-94 at land border (Canadians); consular: $185 visa fee + reciprocity issuance fee

Requirements

• Canadian citizenship
• Job in one of the designated TN professions
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent for most professions
• Job offer from US employer

Documents you will need

• Canadian passport: Proof of Canadian citizenship
• Job offer letter: Detailed offer with job duties
• Degree certificates: Bachelor's or higher
• Resume: Work history

Worth knowing

• Can apply directly at US-Canada border or preclearance
• No lottery, no annual cap
• Engineer, Computer Systems Analyst, Scientist are covered professions
• Spouse and children get TD status (no work authorization)
• Most straightforward US work visa for Canadians

Restrictions

• Limited to specific professional categories
• Dual intent issues - TN is technically non-immigrant intent
• Spouse cannot work on TD status

Path to residency: Can change to H-1B for green card path (avoid dual intent issues)

Alternative to TN for professions not covered or for green card path.

Processing time

3-6 months

Validity

3 years

Government fees

$780 I-129 (std; $460 small employer) + $500 fraud prevention + $600 Asylum Program Fee; $205 visa fee

Requirements

• Specialty occupation
• Bachelor's degree
• Employer sponsorship

Documents you will need

• Passport: Canadian passport
• Degree: Educational credentials
• DS-160: If applying at embassy

Worth knowing

• Better for green card path than TN
• No visa interview required for Canadians
• Consider if your profession isn't covered by TN

Path to residency: EB-2/EB-3 with minimal wait

Required for short business trips or tourism. Cannot work or study full-time.

Processing time

Varies by embassy - can be days to months

Validity

Up to 10 years (multiple entry), stays limited to 6 months per entry

Government fees

$185 application fee

Requirements

• Demonstrate strong ties to home country
• Proof of temporary intent (will return home)
• Sufficient funds for trip
• Clear purpose of visit
• No immigrant intent

Documents you will need

• DS-160 confirmation: Online nonimmigrant visa application
• Valid passport: 6+ months validity beyond intended stay
• Passport photo: Recent 2x2 inch photo
• Proof of ties to home country: Employment letter, property, family ties
• Bank statements: Last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds
• Travel itinerary (optional): Flight reservations, hotel bookings
• Invitation letter (optional): If visiting for business meetings

Worth knowing

• Be prepared to explain your trip clearly at the interview
• Bring supporting documents even if not explicitly required
• Strong ties to home country are crucial for approval
• Cannot work or engage in productive employment
• B-1 allows business meetings, conferences, negotiations but not employment
• Canada is not in the Visa Waiver Program - B-1/B-2 visa required for visits

Restrictions

• Cannot work or receive payment from US sources
• Cannot study full-time (only short recreational courses)
• Max 6 months per entry
• Must demonstrate non-immigrant intent

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics.

Processing time

2-4 months (Premium: 15 business days)

Validity

Up to 3 years, renewable in 1-year increments

Government fees

$1,055 I-129 (std; $530 small employer) + $600 Asylum Program Fee + optional $2,965 premium; $205 visa fee

Requirements

• Sustained national or international acclaim
• Meet at least 3 of 8 criteria for extraordinary ability
• Coming to US to work in area of extraordinary ability
• Advisory opinion from peer group or labor organization

Documents you will need

• Evidence of awards/prizes (optional): National or international recognition
• Published articles about you (optional): Media coverage in major publications
• Evidence of judging others' work (optional): Panel judge, reviewer, etc.
• Original contributions documentation (optional): Patents, significant innovations
• Scholarly articles authored (optional): Publications in professional journals
• High salary documentation (optional): Evidence of high remuneration
• Membership in associations (optional): Requiring outstanding achievement
• Peer letters: 5-10 letters from industry experts

Worth knowing

• No annual cap - can apply anytime
• Strong for senior professionals with patents, publications, speaking
• GitHub stars, Stack Overflow reputation can count as evidence
• Document everything: conference talks, press mentions, awards
• Often faster than H-1B for accomplished individuals

Path to residency: Can self-petition for EB-1A green card

For executives and managers transferring within a multinational company.

Processing time

3-6 months (Premium available)

Validity

Up to 7 years maximum

Government fees

$1,385 I-129 (std; $695 small employer) + $500 fraud prevention + $4,500 (employers 50+ staff & >50% H/L) + $600 Asylum Program Fee + optional $2,965 premium

Requirements

• Worked for qualifying foreign company for 1 continuous year in past 3 years
• Transferring to US parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch
• Executive or managerial capacity
• US entity must be doing business

Documents you will need

• Form I-129 with L supplement: Petition filed by US entity
• Proof of qualifying relationship: Between US and foreign entities
• Employment verification letters: From foreign employer
• Organizational charts: Showing managerial role and structure
• Company documentation: Articles of incorporation, annual reports

Worth knowing

• No lottery or annual cap
• Blanket L-1 available for large multinationals
• L-2 spouse can work immediately with EAD
• Direct path to EB-1C green card (no PERM required)

Path to residency: EB-1C green card - no labor certification needed

For specialized knowledge employees transferring within a multinational company.

Processing time

3-6 months

Validity

Up to 5 years maximum

Government fees

$1,385 I-129 (std; $695 small employer) + $500 fraud prevention + $600 Asylum Program Fee + optional $2,965 premium

Requirements

• Worked for qualifying foreign company for 1 year in past 3 years
• Specialized knowledge of company products, services, or procedures
• Transferring to US affiliate

Documents you will need

• Form I-129 with L supplement: Petition from US entity
• Specialized knowledge evidence: Training, projects, expertise documentation
• Employment verification: From foreign employer

Worth knowing

• Good for tech employees at multinationals
• No lottery required
• L-2 spouse can work
• Stricter scrutiny than L-1A in recent years

Path to residency: EB-2/EB-3 green card (requires PERM)