Canadian citizens who plan to be in the United States for a short time on business can present a valid Canadian passport and other identification at a port of entry to be allowed access into the United States. At the port of entry, they will be issued a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional visa, also known as a Trade NAFTA (TN) visa. Permanent Canadian residents do not qualify for this type of visa. A permanent resident is the equivalent of a green card holder in the United States. Permanent residents will need to apply for the visa waiver program if his country of origin is on the list of permitted countries.
Entry into the United States is not guaranteed by a TN visa. The U.S. government reserves the right to refuse a Canadian resident with a valid TN visa entry into the country for a number of reasons. For instance, if the person seeking entry is suspected of posing a public health risk, he may be denied entry. A person who has previously entered the United States on a TN visa and engaged in unlawful behavior while in the United States is also likely to be denied entry. Thus, to enter the United States, a clean bill of health and a clean legal record are both requirements.
There is no limit on the number of times a Canadian citizen can be issued a TN visa. As long as he doesn't violate the terms of the visa, he can re-enter the United States as frequently as he likes on a TN visa. This makes it easy for professionals who must participate in trade shows in the United States frequently. However, professionals will be required to present the needed documentation each time a new TN visa is issued.
