H-1B Specialty Occupation vs TN Visa (CUSMA/NAFTA)

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your nationality. The TN visa offers a dramatically faster, cheaper path for Canadians and Mexicans with a job offer, while the H-1B is the only option for skilled workers from other countries, though it requires navigating a lottery and longer processing times.

Further reading: H-1B visa guide

1. 01

   Your nationality

   Pick H-1B

   Choose H-1B if you're not Canadian or Mexican, since TN eligibility is restricted.

   Pick TN

   Pick TN if you hold Canadian or Mexican citizenship and qualify for a TN profession.

2. 02

   Speed to approval

   Pick H-1B

   H-1B takes 3-6 months and requires employer petition and lottery participation.

   Pick TN

   TN processes in 0-1 months with no lottery; Canadians can be approved at the border.

3. 03

   Cost to apply

   Pick H-1B

   H-1B costs $2,460 USD, a significant investment upfront.

   Pick TN

   TN costs only $185 USD, making it far more affordable to pursue.

4. 04

   Path to permanent residency

   Pick H-1B

   H-1B has a clear PR pathway in roughly 5 years.

   Pick TN

   TN does not lead to PR, so it's temporary work only.

5. 05

   Your long-term US plans

   Pick H-1B

   Choose H-1B if you intend to settle permanently in the US eventually.

   Pick TN

   TN works if you're comfortable with temporary work status without PR sponsorship.

Is the H-1B Specialty Occupation or the TN Visa (CUSMA/NAFTA) faster to get?

The TN Visa (CUSMA/NAFTA) (TN) is typically faster, around 0–1 months, versus 3–6 months for the H-1B Specialty Occupation. Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

Which costs more, the H-1B or the TN?

The H-1B Specialty Occupation (H-1B) costs more, about $2,460 in official fees, versus $185 for the TN Visa (CUSMA/NAFTA) (TN). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the H-1B Specialty Occupation or the TN Visa (CUSMA/NAFTA)?

The H-1B leads to permanent residency in roughly 5 years, while the TN does not lead directly to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do the H-1B and TN need a job offer?

Yes. Both the H-1B and the TN require a job offer or employer sponsorship before you apply. Securing an eligible employer is the critical first step for either route.