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

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.

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.