Key Facts Every Applicant Should Know
In Fiscal Year 2025, 42.6% of TN visa applications filed by Mexican citizens were denied—most often due to incomplete documentation, mismatched job duties, or the inability to prove non-immigrant intent.
It’s important to understand the difference between a rejection and a denial. A rejection usually stems from a simple filing error—like a missing signature or incorrect fee—and can easily be corrected. A denial, however, is a formal decision declaring you ineligible for the visa. This remains on your immigration record and can make future applications more difficult.
While a TN visa denial cannot be appealed, you may reapply after addressing the issues identified by the reviewing officer. If a TN visa extension is denied while you are in the U.S., your work authorization ends immediately, and you must leave by the expiration date on your I-94.
The TN visa, created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—formerly known as NAFTA—allows qualified professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. under specific occupational categories. Although it’s considered one of the more streamlined employment-based visa options, denials remain common. In FY 2025 alone, the U.S. Department of State denied 11,645 out of 27,317 applications, reflecting a denial rate of 42%.
TN Visa Application Process by Nationality
- Canadian Applicants: Typically apply directly at a U.S. port of entry, where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers make on-the-spot decisions.
- Mexican Applicants: Must first obtain a TN visa stamp at a U.S. consulate before entering the United States.
- Applicants Already in the U.S.: May apply for a TN visa or extension through USCIS, which processes the petition like other nonimmigrant applications.
If your TN visa was recently denied—or you want to avoid common pitfalls—this guide explains the most frequent reasons for TN denials, the reapplication process, and alternative visa options.
To minimize your risk of denial, schedule a consultation with the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link today.
TN Visa Denial vs. Rejection
Many applicants confuse denial with rejection, but these are not the same.
- Rejection: Occurs when USCIS or the reviewing authority refuses to process your application because of administrative errors such as missing information, incorrect filing fees, or unsigned forms. This type of issue does not appear on your immigration record, and you can refile once corrected.
- Denial: Means your case was fully reviewed but determined ineligible. Denials can happen at the border (CBP), consulate (Department of State), or USCIS. Reasons often include unqualified job categories, insufficient credentials, or lack of evidence. A denial is serious and can impact future visa applications.
Common Reasons for TN Visa Denials
A TN visa may be denied for several reasons, including:
- Incomplete or insufficient documentation, such as a job offer letter missing critical details (duties, duration, salary, or purpose of stay) under 9 FAM 402.17-5(B).
- Incorrect job classification, such as selecting a USMCA occupation that doesn’t match your duties.
- Unqualified education or experience, especially when trying to substitute work experience for a required degree, which is prohibited under 9 FAM 402.17-4(A)(b).
- Non-professional or trainee-level positions, often signaled by job titles like “intern” or “fellow” or by a salary below the professional standard (9 FAM 402.17-5(A)(4)).
- Criminal records or prior immigration violations.
- Failure to prove non-immigrant intent, including insufficient home-country ties such as family, property, or long-term financial commitments.
- Evidence suggesting you are pursuing permanent residency, which conflicts with TN non-immigrant intent.
- Under-documented applications or conflicting information during interviews.
Regardless of the reason, officers are required to inform applicants of the specific cause of denial. Fortunately, a denial does not end your options—you can often reapply or explore other visa pathways.
TN Visa Denial Statistics
According to U.S. Department of State data for FY 2024, approximately 42.6% of TN visa applications were denied—primarily affecting Mexican citizens, as Canadians generally apply directly at ports of entry. This marks a noticeable increase compared to prior years, underscoring the need for accurate and complete applications.
Consequences of a TN Visa Denial
A TN visa denial can have serious consequences:
- You may lose your job offer or miss your start date.
- Your employer could fill the position with another candidate.
- You may lose travel and lodging expenses.
- If denied while in the U.S., you must depart by your I-94 expiration date, or risk being considered out of status, which could result in future entry bans.
TN Visa Extension or Renewal Denied? Here’s What to Do
While the TN visa can be renewed indefinitely, each extension requires a new filing. If your extension is denied, your work authorization ends immediately. To avoid complications:
- File early—well before your I-94 expiration date.
- If you file Form I-129 on time for the same employer, you may continue working for up to 240 days while awaiting USCIS’s decision.
- If the extension is approved, your status is automatically extended.
- If denied, your work must stop immediately, and you must depart the U.S. by the I-94 date.
How to Reapply After a TN Visa Denial
If you plan to reapply after a denial:
- Understand the reason for denial as explained by the CBP or consular officer.
- Correct deficiencies—for example, revise the employment letter to include complete details about your job, salary, duties, and duration.
- Ensure consistency across all documents, as officers compare prior and current submissions.
- Seek professional guidance—an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link can help you identify weaknesses and prepare for reapplication or interview.
Pro Tip: Some applicants succeed by reapplying at the same port of entry where their case was first reviewed, as the officer may already be familiar with their background.
Can I Appeal a TN Visa Denial?
Unfortunately, TN visa denials cannot be appealed to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). The most effective option is to reapply after correcting the reasons for refusal or to consider a different visa classification better suited to your profile.
Alternative Visa Options
If you’re not eligible for a TN visa—or your application was denied—you may qualify for other employment-based visas, such as:
- EB-1 Green Card – For individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives/managers.
- EB-2 Green Card – For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their field.
- EB-3 Green Card – For skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience.
- H-1B Visa – For specialty occupations, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- L-1 Visa – For executives, managers, or specialized knowledge employees transferring within multinational companies.
- O-1 Visa – For individuals with extraordinary achievements in sciences, arts, education, or business.
- J-1 Visa – For participants in U.S. government-approved exchange programs.
If your TN visa was denied, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can review your case and help identify the best immigration pathway tailored to your background and career goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About TN Visa Denials and Reapplications
Can I reapply for a TN visa after being denied?
Yes. You can reapply for a TN visa after a denial, but it’s essential to first understand why your application was denied. Simply submitting the same documents again without addressing the underlying issues will likely lead to another rejection. Before reapplying, it’s wise to have your case reviewed by an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to identify what went wrong and how to strengthen your application.
What is the current TN visa approval rate?
According to recent data, the TN visa rejection rate is approximately 42.6%, leaving an approval rate of only about 57.4%. Most of these statistics reflect applications from Mexican citizens processed by the U.S. Department of State. This means that nearly half of all applications are denied — highlighting the importance of a well-prepared, compliant, and persuasive TN visa petition. Working with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can significantly improve your chances of success.
What are the most common reasons for TN visa denial at the border?
Common reasons for denial at a U.S. port of entry include:
- Job duties that don’t match the official list of approved TN occupations.
- Incomplete or inaccurate documentation, especially the employer’s support letter.
- Perceived immigrant intent, meaning the border officer believes you plan to remain in the U.S. permanently rather than temporarily.
Each of these issues can be avoided with the right preparation and legal guidance from Green Card Link.
Does a TN visa denial affect future U.S. travel?
A TN visa denial becomes part of your immigration record, but it does not automatically prevent you from visiting the United States in the future under B-1/B-2 business or tourist status. However, you should expect questions about the previous denial during future entries. Proper documentation and clear explanations — often prepared in consultation with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link — can help you navigate future travel without issues.
Can green card holders invest in stocks or mutual funds in the U.S.?
Yes. Green card holders are considered U.S. residents for investment purposes and can freely invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds in the United States. This includes participating in U.S. stock exchanges, brokerage accounts, and retirement investment vehicles, just like any other resident.
Can I open a business bank account as a green card holder?
Absolutely. As a lawful permanent resident, you can open and operate a business bank account in the U.S. Green card holders are eligible to own, manage, and invest in businesses, making it easier to establish credit and build financial stability within the country.
How Green Card Link Can Help
If your TN visa application was denied, you don’t have to face the process alone. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link specialize in helping professionals overcome visa rejections by identifying weaknesses in previous filings, addressing officer concerns, and building stronger applications.
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys will:
- Carefully analyze your denial notice and supporting evidence.
- Prepare a comprehensive reapplication strategy tailored to your occupation.
- Ensure that your new submission fully complies with U.S. immigration regulations.
With experienced guidance and meticulous preparation, Green Card Link can help you regain control of your career path in the United States.