Applying for a TN (USMCA/NAFTA) visa – the temporary work visa available to Canadian and Mexican professionals- requires clear documentation that shows you and your employer meet all legal criteria. One of the most important pieces of your application is the TN support letter. Though the exact requirements may vary slightly depending on where you apply (e.g., a U.S. port of entry or a U.S. embassy/consulate), the core elements are generally the same.
1. What a TN Support Letter Is
A TN support letter, sometimes called an employer letter or employer support letter, is a formal statement from your prospective U.S. employer explaining:
- the details of your job offer,
- how your background qualifies you for the position, and
- how the job fits under a qualifying USMCA/NAFTA professional category.
The letter is mandatory for both Canadian and Mexican applicants applying for TN classification.
2. What You (the Applicant) Must Provide
While your employer prepares the letter, you must submit:
- Proof of Citizenship – Valid passport
- Educational Credentials – Degrees, diplomas, evaluations (if applicable)
- Job Offer Documentation – The TN support letter + separate offer letter (optional but helpful)
- TN Category Alignment – Proof your job matches one of the 60+ qualifying professions
3. What Your Employer Must Include in the Support Letter
A complete TN support letter from the employer should include:
Company Details
- On company letterhead
- Full address and contact info
- Signed by someone in authority (HR, manager, legal rep)
Purpose of the Letter
- Clearly state that it supports your TN visa application
- Mention the job title, duties, and location
TN Occupational Category
- Identify the correct category (e.g., “Engineer,” “Accountant”)
- Confirm how the job aligns with the NAFTA profession list
Your Qualifications
- Education and work history relevant to the job
- Specific degrees and experience required for the role
Employment Terms
- Salary, hours, start/end dates
- Temporary nature of employment (max 3 years)
Temporary Intent
- Assurance that the role is of a temporary nature and the applicant intends to maintain and returnt to their permanent residence abroad
4. Best Practices
- Use original signatures and official U.S. company letterhead
- Ensure job duties are consistent with the TN profession
- Submit supporting documentation like official degrees, transcripts, and evaluations
- Address the letter to the appropriate reviewing officer or agency
Conclusion
A well-crafted TN support letter can be the difference between approval and denial. As the applicant, it’s your job to bring the necessary documents and ensure your credentials are aligned. For the employer, a precise, well-formatted letter that clearly ties the role to a TN profession is essential.
Both sides must collaborate carefully to meet TN visa standards, and when in doubt, consult official resources or legal counsel.
Sources
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We Can Help!
If you have questions regarding TN Visas, 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 to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
