What is the difference between H-1B and TN?

The H-1B and the TN are two temporary work visas in the United States, but they serve very different profiles. The choice between them depends mainly on your nationality and the type of occupation.

The H-1B is designed for foreign professionals in specialty occupations, generally tied to a higher education degree, and is common in fields such as technology, engineering, and research. The process is initiated by an employer petition and, because there is a cap on available spots, it often goes through a lottery selection, which can make it more competitive and time-consuming.

The TN, in turn, was created under the North American trade agreement and is available only to citizens of Canada and Mexico, for specific professions listed in that agreement. Its process tends to be more straightforward and faster, but it has its own limitations regarding renewal and change of employer.

• H-1B: specialty occupations, employer petition, lottery selection.
• TN: exclusive to Canadian and Mexican citizens, in professions listed in the agreement.
• The TN tends to be faster; the H-1B covers more fields and nationalities.

Since each category has its own requirements and limitations, it is worth confirming the current requirements with the official source (USCIS) or with a specialist to determine which one fits your situation.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.