TN visas were created for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) treaty. NAFTA is a special economic treaty between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. TN visas are for NAFTA professionals who are seeking to work temporarily in the United States in professional occupations including but not limited to occupation such as teachers, medical professionals, and scientists. TN visa applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree and must be accepted for a job or business in the United States.

TN applicants must be citizens from Mexico or Canada. TD visas are for the spouses and dependent children of TN visa applicants. Both TN and TD visa applicants cannot have an intention to immigrate to the United States. Unlike TN visa holders, TD visa holders cannot work in the United States (they must change their visa to a work visa in order to work). TD holders may however engage in full time study during their temporary stay in the United States.