How International Recruitment Under the TN Visa Works: Step by Step
Hiring international talent can be a powerful growth strategy for U.S. companies—especially when using the TN visa. However, many employers are unsure how the process actually works and where their responsibilities begin and end.
This article breaks down how international recruitment under the TN visa works, step by step, from a business perspective, with a focus on compliance, efficiency, and risk reduction.
Step 1: Define the role and confirm TN eligibility
The TN visa is role-specific, not candidate-specific. The process starts with the employer clearly defining:
- Job title
- Core duties and responsibilities
- Required education and professional background
The role must align precisely with one of the TN-eligible professions under the USMCA agreement. Misalignment at this stage is one of the most common causes of delays or denials.
Official TN profession guidelines can be found on the USCIS website:
https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/tn-nafta-professionals
Step 2: Identify and evaluate qualified Mexican professionals
Once the role is confirmed as TN-eligible, companies move into candidate sourcing and evaluation.
This includes:
- Recruiting professionals with the required credentials
- Verifying education and experience
- Assessing technical and role-specific skills
- Confirming eligibility from a TN perspective
At this stage, international recruitment expertise helps ensure that candidates are not only qualified—but viable from a compliance standpoint.
Step 3: Extend a compliant job offer
The employment offer plays a critical role in the TN process. It must clearly state:
- Job title and duties
- Employment relationship
- Compensation and work location
- Duration of employment
The offer letter must be consistent with TN requirements and aligned with the defined profession. Generic or inaccurate offers can create legal risk for the employer.
Step 4: Coordinate with immigration counsel (not individuals)
While recruitment firms focus on talent acquisition, immigration attorneys handle visa filings and legal representation.
For employers, this step involves:
- Providing accurate job and company documentation
- Coordinating timelines
- Ensuring HR and legal teams are aligned
It is important to note that TN visa applications are handled through legal counsel or authorized professionals, not recruitment firms acting on behalf of individuals.
Step 5: Candidate applies for TN status
For Mexican professionals, TN status is typically requested through:
- A U.S. consulate or port of entry
- Documentation provided by the employer
While the employer does not file a petition in the same way as H-1B, employer documentation is essential to the process.
Step 6: Onboarding and compliance management
Once TN status is granted, companies must ensure:
- Proper onboarding procedures
- I-9 employment verification compliance
- Ongoing role consistency with TN requirements
Any material changes to job duties, location, or employer structure may require review to maintain compliance.
Step 7: Renewal and workforce planning
TN status can be renewed as long as:
- The employment relationship continues
- The role remains TN-eligible
- Compliance requirements are met
This allows companies to plan long-term staffing needs with greater predictability compared to other visa categories.
The role of specialized recruitment partners
While the TN visa process is relatively streamlined, success depends on precision and coordination at every stage.
At Amerimexlink, we support U.S. companies by:
- Identifying TN-eligible roles
- Recruiting qualified Mexican professionals
- Reducing hiring timelines and compliance risks
- Coordinating with employer-side legal counsel
Our services are designed exclusively for businesses. We do not provide visa services to individual applicants.
Learn more about our international recruitment solutions here:
👉 https://globaltouch.mx
A structured process leads to better hiring outcomes
International recruitment under the TN visa is not complicated—but it is highly specific. Companies that follow a structured, compliant process are better positioned to:
- Hire faster
- Reduce legal exposure
- Secure high-quality international talent
With the right strategy and partners, the TN visa becomes a scalable and competitive hiring solution for U.S. employers.
