How Much Does a TN Visa Cost for Employer or Employee?
The cost of a TN Visa is $56 USD when applying at the border ($50 filing fee + $6 I-94 fee) or $460 USD for Form I-129 when applying by mail, with fees typically paid by the employee as employers are not required to cover them.
The TN visa was created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (which has now been replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) to facilitate the movement of professionals between the US, Canada, and Mexico. Today, it is one of the most popular work visas for Mexican and Canadian professionals seeking to move to the US to work.
The TN visa process comes with costs, with some expected and others less so. For this reason, understanding the price of a TN visa is important for both applicants going to the US for work and US employers sponsoring them to the US. A clear picture of the TN visa cost helps avoid surprises and ensures a smoother application process.
This post will answer the question, “How much does TN visa cost?” It’ll explore the TN visa fees that apply to professionals preparing to use the TN visa to work in the US as well as to US employers planning to employ TN workers from across the border.
Who Covers the TN Visa Cost – Employer or Employee?
While TN visa applicants understand that the process has cost implications, it is often not clear who pays what.
Legal obligations and employer flexibility
In most TN visa cases, the individual applicant (Canadian or Mexican) pays the core TN visa fee. This is so for Canadians applying at the port of entry and Mexicans applying at the Consulate or Embassy.
However, the situation changes when the employer files on behalf of Canadian applicants using the USCIS Form I-129. The employer is expected to cover the TN filing fees in such cases.
How much does a TN Visa cost an employer vs. an employee
The main cost of the TN visa for the employee or employer depends on the method of application as follows:
| Mexicans | Canadians | ||
| Method of application | Apply at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy | Apply at a U.S. port of Entry | Apply by filing Form I-129 |
| Filing fee | $160 | $56 | $1,015 ($510 for small employers and nonprofits) |
| Asylum program fee | NA | NA | $600 ($300 for small employers and $0 for nonprofits) |
| TN visa premium processing fee (optional) | NA | NA | $2,805 |
| Total TN cost (Compulsory) | $160 | $56 | $1,615($810 for small employers and $510 for nonprofits) |
| Total cost (with optional premium processing) | $160 | $56 | $4,420($3,615 for small employers and $3,315 for nonprofits) |
| Who pays the TN fees | Employee | Employee | Employer |
TN Visa Fees for Employees
The TN fee for employees applying directly is relatively low as it removes the significantly high cost of filing the USCIS Form I-129.
- The TN fee is $56 for Canadians applying directly at the border (or during pre-clearance inspection at an airport).
- For Mexicans applying directly at a US Consulate or Embassy, the TN visa fee is $160.
Besides this standard fee, other fees usually apply. These include:
- Travel and accommodation. Applicants applying directly incur travel expenses, such as the cost of going to the US Consulate (for Mexicans) or border crossing (for Canadians). Many have overnight stays in hotels, incurring accommodation costs.
- Document preparation. Gathering the documents to strengthen the TN application and obtaining certified translations (if necessary) has cost implications.
- Legal or immigration assistance. Many applicants choose to consult an immigration lawyer to guide them through the process. While consulting an Immigration Attorney is optional, it is very important. These professionals can help applicants submit stronger TN applications that are more likely to be approved. Legal assistance costs vary depending on the service sought and the service provider. However, it typically ranges between $1,000 and $3,000.
TN Visa Costs for Employers
The TN visa can cost employers anything from $510 to $4,420 when they file on behalf of their employee using the USCIS Form I-129. The TN fee depends on the employer classification and whether they opt for premium processing.
| Employer classification | Large employers (25+ full-time employees) | Small employers (25 or fewer full-time employees) | Nonprofits |
| TN visa filing fees USCIS | $1,015 | $510 | $510 |
| Asylum plum program fee | $600 | $300 | – |
| Premium processing (Optional) | $2,805 | $2,805 | $2,805 |
| Total | $1,615(or $4,420 with premium processing) | $810(or $3,615 with premium processing) | $510(or $3,315 with premium processing) |
In addition to the main TN visa filing fee, employers who file the I-129 are now required to pay a $600 fee to support the Asylum program (but this is halved for small employers and nonprofits). USCIS offers premium processing, which guarantees a response within 15 calendar days. While optional, it is very popular, and it significantly increases the TN visa fees.
Besides these direct fees, there may be other TN visa sponsorship cost for employers, such as:
- Internal administrative fees. There are costs associated with recruiting talent from abroad (such as recruitment, document evaluation, temporary housing, etc.), and they add to the TN visa cost for employers.
- Legal counsel. Many employers hire lawyers to help craft a strong TN support letter and provide guidance throughout the process. This can add $500 – $3,000 to the TN cost, depending on the specific legal services sought and the service provider.
TN Visa Renewal and Reapplication Fees
The TN visa can be renewed every three years. TN holders can apply for renewal in the same way they applied for the first time. Thus, similar costs apply.
However, TN holders do not need to travel to their home country to seek TN renewal. They may remain in the US and have their employer file Form I-129 on their behalf (for an extension of stay). In this case, the same USCIS TN filing fee applies as when applying for the first time.
Hidden or Indirect TN Visa Costs
There are other costs that TN applicants often overlook, which can affect the overall TN visa cost and employment resumption. These include:
Costs from delays, missed work, or rejections
Processing delays, incomplete applications, and TN visa denials can be costly for both employees and employers.
Employees may need to reschedule travel and accommodation or file an appeal. Employers will not have the employee available by the intended start date, potentially resulting in lost productivity or the need to secure temporary staffing.
TN Visa fees for dependents (TD visa holders)
TN visa holders can bring their spouses and children with them to the US on TD visas. But that comes with its own costs.
- For Canadians, the TN TD visa costs $6.00 per dependent. This is paid for the issuance of the I-94 arrival/departure record.
- For Mexicans, the main TN TD visa costs $160 per dependent. This is paid for processing Form DS-160.
How to Minimize TN Visa Fees and Expenses
Thankfully, applicants can minimize TN visa fees in several ways without hurting their applications. These include:
- Plan ahead: Planning helps you submit early and avoid paying the high premium processing fees.
- Use the port of entry application. Canadians can apply in two ways. However, while employers are expected to pay the Form I-129 fees when filing on behalf of an applicant, they often expect applicants to cover some or even all of the fee. For this reason, employee should consider using port of entry applications to minimize TN visa fees, as it is significantly cheaper.
- Understand the TN visa requirements. Submitting an application that is not fully compliant with TN requirements can lead to rejection. This is costly as the applicant will have to go through the whole process again.
- Keep documents organized. Incomplete documents often lead to requests for additional evidence or even rejection. And either outcome increases costs.
- Engage an immigration lawyer. Of course, engaging an immigration attorney has cost implications. However, consider this an investment in the success of the application. These professionals can help TN applicants submit strong applications, minimizing the risk of delays and rejections, which can be very costly, both to the application and the individual’s career.
Conclusion and Action Steps
The cost of a TN visa varies depending on several factors (such as how the application is filed, whether premium processing is used, whether legal assistance is needed, and more). However, the TN visa remains one of the most accessible and affordable US work visas for Canadians and Mexicans.
Our TN visa services will guide you every step of the way and increase your chances of approval. Contact TN Visa Experts today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a TN Visa cost in 2025?
The cost of a TN visa depends on the method of application. When individuals apply directly, it costs as little $56 (for Canadians) and $160 (for Mexicans). But when a US employer files on behalf of an individual using Form I-129, it can cost between $510 and $4,420, depending on the employer’s classification and whether they use premium processing.
How much is a TN Visa with attorney and filing fees?
Engaging legal assistance can add between $1,000 and $3,000 to standard TN visa fees, depending on the particular attorney and the services provided.
Can the TN Visa fee be paid by the employer?
When the employer files on behalf of the employee using Form I-129, they are generally expected to pay the TN visa filing fees. While most employers do this, some expect the individual to pay some or even all the TN application fee.
What is the TN Visa fee at the port of entry?
The TN fee when applying at the port of entry is $56. This consists of a $50 TN visa application processing fee (collected by the US Customs and Border Protection) and a $6 I-94 arrival/departure record issuance fee.
Are there extra TN Visa costs for dependents?
For Canadian applicants, there is an additional $6 fee per dependent (for I-94 arrival/departure record issuance). And for Mexican applicants, there is an additional $160 fee for each dependent (for filing the D-160 form).
Is the TN Visa premium processing fee worth it?
Since the TN visa premium processing fee guarantees a response from the USCIS within 15 calendar days, it’s worth it if the job start date is near, and delays can be costly.
Author Jacob Sapochnick serves as the Managing Partner/CEO of a prominent law firm that focuses on immigration law. Boasting an extensive legal background spanning over a decade, he adeptly merges his enthusiasm for law with cutting-edge technology to aid clients worldwide in their journey to immigrate to the United States.
