Harder Rules, Longer Waits: The Future of TN Visas Under Trump's America First Trade Policy

A big question is looming over Canadian and Mexican professionals seeking TN visas: Will Trump’s January 2025 “America First” trade policy executive order make it harder—or even impossible—to get or renew TN status?

We don’t know for sure yet. But here’s what could happen.

Stricter Approval Criteria

One of the most likely changes could be raising the bar for TN visa approvals. Right now, the process works like this:

• Canadians typically apply at the airport or land border before entering the U.S. That’s when their eligibility and job qualifications are reviewed for the first time.

• Mexicans have to apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy before traveling to the U.S., meaning they already have approval before arriving at the border.

Under a new America First trade policy, the government could tighten these rules. We could see new restrictions on:

Job qualifications – Stricter scrutiny of whether a job truly qualifies for TN status.

Salary requirements – Potential new wage thresholds to show the job pays “enough.”

Job impact on U.S. workers – A requirement to prove the position doesn’t disadvantage U.S. workers.

Result: More TN applications could be denied or stuck in limbo, making it harder to get TN status for the first time or to renew it.

Delays, Delays, and More Delays

Even if the rules don’t officially change, processing times could slow down—a common side effect of new policies.

Why? Because the U.S. consulates and embassies that handle TN visa applications aren’t getting more staff. These offices have fixed resources and can only grow staffing very slowly (if at all).

Here’s what could happen:

More complex rules = more work for consular officers

No new staff = fewer visa appointments per day

Fewer interviews = longer wait times for everyone

This could lead to massive TN processing delays at consulates and embassies. If the government enforces new requirements without increasing staff, TN applicants might wait weeks or months just for an appointment.

What Should You Do?

If you’re considering applying for or renewing a TN visa, don’t wait. Here’s how you can prepare:

Apply early – If you need a TN visa, start the process ASAP before changes take effect.

Have strong documentation – Ensure your job offer, qualifications, and supporting documents are airtight.

Stay informed – Keep an eye on government announcements and legal updates on TN visa policies.

Bottom Line: The future of TN visas is uncertain, but it’s clear that changes could make the process harder and slower. If you or your company relies on TN workers, now is the time to plan ahead.