TN Visa Cost: All Fees for Canadians, Mexicans, and USCIS I-129 Filings

The TN visa is one of the most cost-effective U.S. work authorizations available. A Canadian professional can obtain three years of work status for $56. A Mexican professional pays around $185 in government fees. Neither figure includes what most people forget: credential evaluation, attorney fees if you use one, and premium processing if you need certainty.

Here's the complete cost picture for 2026.

Canadian TN Fees at the Border

Canadians applying at a U.S. land border crossing pay:

That's it for the government side. There's no visa stamp fee, no USCIS petition fee, and no embassy appointment charge.

The catch is that the $6 fee only applies to the I-94 card itself. Some older resources cite a $50 fee — this refers to a previously charged admission fee that has since changed. Verify the current fee schedule at your specific port of entry; minor variations exist between crossings.

At U.S. airport preclearance stations (Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal, etc.), the I-94 fee is typically included in your airfare processing. No separate payment is required at those locations.

Mexican TN Fees at the Consulate

Mexican citizens applying through a U.S. consulate pay:

The $185 MRV fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied. It must be paid before your interview appointment.

For Mexicans renewing a TN while already in the U.S. through an employer-filed I-129, the relevant fees are USCIS filing fees (see below) rather than consular fees.

USCIS I-129 Petition Fees (Both Nationalities)

When an employer files a Form I-129 petition with USCIS — either as an alternative to the border process (for new applications) or for in-country renewals — the fee structure is different:

Total with standard processing (large employer): approximately $2,730 in USCIS fees Total with premium processing (large employer): approximately $5,535–$5,695 in USCIS fees

These fees are generally paid by the employer. Many employers cover the I-129 fees but pass the credential evaluation costs to the employee — clarify this before the application process begins.

Note: The ACWIA Training Fee and Anti-Fraud fee don't apply to all situations. Non-profit organizations, government entities, and primary/secondary educational institutions are exempt from the ACWIA fee. Your employer's HR or legal team should confirm which fees apply.

Credential Evaluation Costs

If your degree was earned outside the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, you need a credential evaluation to establish equivalency to a North American bachelor's degree.

Allow 4–8 weeks for standard evaluation. Express processing (1–5 business days) is available from most NACES-member evaluators for an additional fee.

For Mexican professionals using a Mexican university degree, the Cedula Profesional often suffices without a third-party credential evaluation — but consular officers have the discretion to request one.

Attorney Fees (If You Use One)

Immigration attorneys typically charge:

• TN initial application preparation: $750–$2,000
• I-129 petition preparation: $1,500–$3,000
• Full representation including border coaching: $2,000–$5,000

Most straightforward TN applications don't require attorney involvement. The profession categories most likely to benefit from legal help are Management Consultant (high scrutiny, requires precise letter drafting), Scientific Technician (unusual category with specific requirements), and any situation involving prior denials or complex degree equivalency issues.

Total Cost Summary

The TN cost comparison to H-1B is stark. H-1B total costs (employer fees, legal, LCA filing) routinely exceed $5,000–$15,000 per application. The TN's low cost is a significant reason employers in USMCA-eligible sectors prefer it for Canadian and Mexican professionals.

What's Not Included

Travel costs — For Canadians driving to a land border crossing, this could be gas and a half-day of time. For Mexicans traveling to a consulate in a different city, this could be flights, hotels, and multiple days.

Missed start date costs — If you're denied at the border and need to reapply, your employer may face project delays, and you lose income for the days you're not working. The cost of preparation is minimal compared to the cost of a denial.

The US TN Visa (USMCA) Guide includes a full fee schedule, employer letter templates that reduce the risk of costly denials, and guidance on when the I-129 premium processing fee is worth paying versus the border application.