The U.S. consulates in Mexico have recently changed how they review TN visa applications, leading to an increase in denials, particularly for professionals in agriculture, engineering, and food safety. This blog covers the latest developments, common reasons for refusals, and tips for a successful TN visa application.
TN Visa Processing Changes in Mexico
Since late 2023, TN visa applicants in Mexico have faced higher denial rates at the U.S. consulates in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Ciudad Juarez. Many of these refusals have affected professionals in specific industries, including:
- Scientific Technicians/Technologists (STT)
- Animal Scientists and Animal Breeders
- Agriculturalists
- Engineers, particularly in the auto, food safety, and animal husbandry sectors
Common Reasons for TN Visa Denials
The most frequent reasons for TN visa denials include:
- Job duties not aligning with the TN category – The job description must match one of the approved TN occupations listed in the USMCA.
- Failure to meet TN eligibility requirements – The applicant’s education and experience must clearly support their TN classification.
- Position is not considered a “professional” TN job – Roles involving manual labor or routine tasks are being denied more frequently.
- Consular standardization of TN adjudications – The U.S. consulates in Mexico have recently harmonized their TN visa review process, making the application process stricter.
Additionally, reports suggest that some U.S. employers have misused the TN visa program by hiring workers for non-professional jobs. This has led to increased scrutiny of TN applications, particularly in industries where this misuse was reported.
New TN Visa Guidance and Stricter Review Process
In November 2024, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) updated its guidelines for consular officers reviewing TN visas. These updates direct officers to consult the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*NET Online database when evaluating whether a position qualifies under a TN category. Other key updates include:
- TN visa standards are being reviewed, and clearer guidelines are expected soon.
- TN rejections are rarely based on the applicant’s lack of a degree.
- The most commonly denied occupations are Animal Breeders, Engineers, and Management Consultants.
- Refusal letters are being updated to provide more details on why an application was denied.
How to Strengthen Your TN Visa Application
If you are applying for a TN visa in Mexico, consider these best practices to improve your chances of approval:
- Prepare for the interview – Be ready to discuss your job title, responsibilities, and qualifications in detail.
- Ensure job duties align with the TN category – Use the O*NET database to match your job responsibilities with TN requirements.
- Verify compliance with USMCA/TN rules – Make sure your role is a recognized TN profession and is not primarily manual labor.
- Use accurate job titles – The job title should match one listed in Appendix 2 of Annex 16-A of the USMCA, Chapter 16.
- Demonstrate professional-level work – Engineers should focus on analytical and problem-solving tasks rather than routine maintenance or assembly line work.
- Consider alternative visa options – If your role does not fit the TN category, explore options such as H-2A, H-2B, or H-1B visas.
- Maintain non-immigrant intent – Be prepared to prove that your stay in the U.S. is temporary.
- Consider filing for a TN extension with USCIS – While not guaranteed to impact consular decisions, an approved extension may help in certain cases.
Possible USMCA Changes in 2026
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is set for review in 2026, and potential changes could impact TN visa requirements. The U.S. government has launched a review process that may lead to modifications in trade and labor policies, including visa regulations. The outcome of this review could affect eligibility criteria for TN professionals in the future.
Conclusion
The TN visa process in Mexico has become more challenging, particularly for professionals in agriculture, engineering, and food safety. By carefully preparing your application and ensuring compliance with TN visa requirements, you can improve your chances of approval. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, consider consulting an immigration attorney for guidance.
If you need assistance with your TN visa application, consult an immigration attorney.
We Can Help!
You may have questions regarding TN visa requirements. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
