Shifting employment while holding a NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to pursue new opportunities within the United States while maintaining their non-immigrant status. This process involves filing a new Form I-129 petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by the prospective employer. For example, a Canadian engineer working for Company A under a TN visa could accept a position with Company B by having Company B file the necessary paperwork with USCIS.
Facilitating professional mobility for qualified individuals from Canada and Mexico strengthens North American economic ties. This process provides a streamlined pathway for employers to access a talented pool of professionals and for these professionals to advance their careers. The historical context lies within the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which aimed to facilitate trade and professional exchange within North America.