The transcript is essential when the field of study does not appear on the diploma, and all documents that are not in English, including those in Latin, must be translated. Degrees which were not obtained at a US, Canadian or Mexican university should be accompanied by a credentials evaluation. The main difference is that the Mexican TN application may be for a maximum period of only one year, whereas the H-1B can be for 3 years. Only 5,500 Mexicans may be admitted to the US each year in TN status. Period of authorization and travel TNs are admitted for a maximum period of one year.
Annual extensions are possible.
Canadians do not need either a visa or a passport, unless entering from outside the Western Hemisphere, in which case a passport is required but not a visa. Mexicans must have both a passport and a visa. It is important to recognize that, like the H-1B, TN status is employer specific and even job specific. Extensions of stay Canadians may extend their stay by crossing the border and re-entering with a new employment letter and all other documents needed for an initial entry. The TN s employer may apply while the TN is in the US or in Mexico.