Transferring TN status to a new company allows Canadian and Mexican citizens already working in the United States under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to seamlessly continue their employment with a different organization. This process involves filing a new Form I-129 petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), demonstrating that the new position qualifies under the specific professional categories outlined in the trade agreements, and that the individual possesses the necessary credentials. For instance, a software engineer currently employed under TN status could transfer to a different tech company without returning to their home country for a new visa.
Facilitating professional mobility within the United States, this process is vital for both employees and employers. It provides qualified professionals with career advancement opportunities and allows companies to access a pool of skilled workers from Canada and Mexico. The initial TN visa category, created under NAFTA, fostered economic integration across North America, a goal continued by the USMCA. This streamlined procedure avoids disruption to ongoing projects and maintains a valuable workforce presence within the US economy.