How to Get a U.S. Work Visa for Canadians in 2025

For Canadian professionals eyeing opportunities in the US, there is good news. That dream of working in the US is possible. Every year, thousands of Canadians successfully make the move South, landing US jobs and taking their careers to new heights.

One hurdle on the path to crossing the Canadian border to work in the US is usually obtaining a US work visa. However, US work visas can be surprisingly accessible if individuals know where to start. This article will discuss how to get a US work visa for Canadians.

Why Canadian Citizens Need a Work Visa to Work in the US

The US and Canada are close neighbors. But Canadian citizens still require proper authorization to work in the United States. Working in the US without legal authorization can lead to serious legal consequences (which include fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entry).

Difference between a work visa and a work permit

A work visa is an authorization granted by the U.S. government that allows an individual to enter the U.S. for work purposes. Canadians seeking to cross the border into the US for work need an American work visa for Canadian professionals. This is obtained through a US consulate in Canada or at the border before entering the US.

However, a work permit is an authorization granted to individuals already in the US, allowing them to work in the country. Canadians already in the US, whose visas do not automatically grant the right to work, would need a US work permit for Canadian citizens to be able to work in the country legally.

Most Common US Work Visas for Canadian Citizens

Canadians who wish to work in the US must obtain a work visa before entering the country, as a separate work permit is not required once a work visa for Canadians has been approved. The most common work visas for Canadians are:

TN Visa (Under USMCA/NAFTA)

The TN visa was created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and carried over into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), when it replaced NAFTA. It allows certain professionals from Canada and Mexico to enter the US temporarily for work. It is granted for three years but with unlimited renewals.

Also read: What Is a TN Visa?

The TN visa is an easy-to-obtain United States work visa for Canadian citizens for many reasons:

• First, Canadians can apply for the visa directly at a port of entry when entering the US. They do not need to apply prior to the USCIS for the TN visa. Instead, they can go to a US land border crossing or the airport with their TN documentation, apply for the visa there, and get it on the spot.
• Secondly, there is no annual cap. This means that individuals can apply for the TN visa at any time of year.
• Thirdly, the TN visa does not come with complicated employer-sponsorship requirements. The US employer is not required to obtain a certification from the US Department of Labor. They only need to provide a TN support letter.

H-1B Visa (for Specialty Occupations)

The H-1B visa is a visa that allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. It is open to individuals from all over the world, including those in Canada. It is granted for three years and renewable for an additional three years, for a maximum of six years.

The visa is subject to an annual cap, which means only a limited number of visas are available each year.

L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfers)

The L-1 visa is a US visa that allows the intra-company transfer of employees. When a company has offices in both the US and Canada, individuals transferred from the Canadian office to the US office will need an L-1 visa to move to and work in the US.

E-2 Visa (Investor Visa, if applicable)

The E-2 visa is designed for Canadian citizens who plan to start or purchase a business in the US. 

The individual must invest a substantial amount in the US business (at least 50%) or show operational control. The visa can be renewed indefinitely (as long as the business is operational).

TN Visa: Easiest US Work Visa for Most Canadians

There are several options available when seeking a US work visa for Canadian citizens. However, TN visas remain the easiest US work visas for Canadians because, unlike other visa types, they allow Canadians to apply directly at a US port of entry, have no annual quotas, and do not require complex employer sponsorship.

Who Qualifies for a TN Visa?

To qualify for a TN visa, an individual must:

• Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
• Get a job offer from a US employer for a job in the NAFTA (USMCA) approved job list.
• Meet the educational and professional requirements for the job.
• Obtain a TN support letter from the US employer.
• Intend to stay in the US for no more than 3 years.

TN Eligible Professions List

60+ professions are listed explicitly as qualifying occupations for the TN visa. These include Accountants, Engineers, Graphic Designers, Social Workers, Physicians, Dentists, Registered Nurses, Animal Breeders, Geneticists, and more.

Also Read: List of TN-eligible professions.

Application Process at the Border or by Mail

Canadians can apply for the TN visa at the border or by mail.

Border application

Border (or port of entry) application involves submitting application documentation at the port of entry when entering the US.

Ports of entry include:

• Land border crossing
• A pre-clearance center at the International airport in Canada
• The CBP service point at a US airport after landing from Canada

The US Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry reviews your application on the spot, and you’ll receive a decision immediately. This makes border applications very fast. Also, border applications are very cheap, costing only $56.

Application by mail

Applying for the TN visa by mail involves completing the USCIS Form I-129 and mailing it to the USCIS Texas Service Center. This costs $1,015 (but is $510 for small employers with less than 25 full-time employees).

Processing of TN applications by mail takes 3 – 6 months. However, you can pay $2,805 for premium processing and receive a decision within 15 calendar days.

Documents Required for TN Visa

Documents required when applying for the TN visa include:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship
• Proof of US job (employment contract)
• Proof of educational and professional qualification for the TN job
• TN support letter
• Proof of paying the application fee

How to Apply for a US Work Visa from Canada

The process for applying for a work visa USA from Canada varies depending on the visa category being applied for. 

However, the general application process is as follows:

• Determine the right visa category: Since there are different US work visas for Canadians, applying for a work visa from Canada should start with identifying the US work visa that suits the prospective applicant’s job type, qualifications, and long-term goals. For many Canadians, this is the TN visa.
• Secure a job offer: Most US work visas require a formal job offer from a US employer. For the TN visa, the US job must be in the USMCA job list.
• Gather required documents: Collect all necessary supporting documentation for the application, including proof of citizenship, proof of US employment, academic credentials, and other relevant documents. For the TN visa, this must include a TN support letter.
• Choose application method and apply: Applicants may have multiple ways to submit their applications (e.g., apply by mail or at the border for TN visas). Select the most suitable application method and submit the application accurately, following all guidelines.
• Prepare for and attend visa interview: Applicants are required to attend a visa interview (usually at a US consulate). However, for TN applicants using border applications, the interview occurs at the border when they are entering the US.
• Get a decision: The final step in the process is receiving a decision from the USCIS. But for TN visa border applications, adjudication is on the spot, so a decision is received immediately.

Key Considerations for Canadians Working in the US

Canadians seeking to cross the border to work in the US must understand that obtaining a work visa is only the first step. There are other responsibilities that can impact their lives.

Duration and Renewal of Work Visas

US work visas are granted for only a specific time limit, mostly three years. But they are usually renewable. For this reason, Canadians living in the US on a work visa must know their visa’s validation period and understand the renewal requirements. This is important to renew when appropriate and avoid overstaying their visas.

Tax Implications (US and Canada)

Canadians working in the US are subject to US income taxes. If they remain tax residents of Canada and still file a Canadian tax return, they should use tax credits to avoid double taxation on their US income.

Health Insurance and Social Security Numbers (SSN)

A Social Security number is required to work legally in the US. For this reason, Canadian professionals should apply for one once they enter the US.

Additionally, a lack of health insurance can result in significant out-of-pocket expenses, as the US health system is largely private. For this reason, Canadian professionals in the US should obtain health insurance (either through their employer or by purchasing a private plan).

FAQs About US Work Visas for Canadians