From Mexico to the U.S. in 30 Days: TN Visa for an Operations Consultant

Background

Originally from Mexico, Daniel had been traveling back and forth between the U.S. and Mexico using a B-2 tourist visa. The B-2 visa is strictly intended for temporary visits for leisure, tourism, or medical treatment. However, Daniel’s work situation was changing. His company, a leading steel manufacturing company in the U.S., specializing in wind turbine towers, wanted Daniel to come to the U.S. to complete a specific project.

The company mainly served clients across the Western Hemisphere and sought Daniel’s assistance in the capacity of an independent consultant.  He would be in charge of evaluating and enhancing operational efficiencies, with a focus on the company’s quality control systems. The proposed position was for two years, and Daniel would be responsible for:

  1. Conducting in-depth diagnostics on the current quality control processes
  2. Identifying inefficiencies and risk points
  3. Recommending and overseeing strategic improvements

However, Daniel had one problem. The company wanted him to start working in the consultant position in exactly one month.

Case

Daniel met with our team, and we recommended a TN visa as he was a Mexican citizen, and would only be working in this position for two years. The TN visa for a Mexican consultant falls under the USMCA (United States, Mexico, Canada Agreement) and would be the most appropriate path, specifically under the Management Consultant category.

Qualifications for a TN Visa under USMCA as a Mexican Citizen:

  1. Be a Mexican Citizen
  2. Hold a profession that is on the USMCA list
  3. Position in the U.S. requires a USMCA professional
  4. Applicant will work in a prearranged full or part-time job for an employer
  5. Applicant must meet the appropriate education and experience requirements for the profession

We explained that his role required more than just general business advice, it demanded specialized industry knowledge, technical insight, and a deep understanding of manufacturing workflows. We demonstrated that his position aligned with the “Management Consultant” designation under USMCA Appendix 1603.D.1. This classification covers professionals who provide expert advice to improve business operations, without taking direct control of management or becoming a traditional employee of the business.

Within the petition we included Daniel’s prior experience, education, independent consultant status,  proof of the temporary nature of the assignment, consulting agreements, business plans, academic credentials, biographical information, and his success in similar roles made him the ideal candidate to lead this project. Each element of the petition was carefully curated to show that Daniel’s qualifications and role met the TN visa criteria. It’s important to note that with TN visas for Mexican citizens, they cannot apply directly at the border like a Canadian. This detail is often overlooked, where a Mexican citizen needs to apply at a U.S. consulate first.

TN Approval timeline for mexican

Verdict

Within three weeks Daniel’s TN visa was approved by USCIS. Daniel was able to cross the border and work within his new role providing high-impact consulting that supports innovation and efficiency in the green energy sector.

TN Approval for Mexican

How VisaNation Helped

Even though nothing is preventing an individual from applying for a TN visa on their own, seeking the help of an immigration attorney is important to reduce your chances of a denial. Mexican citizens have a different process than Canadians for the TN visa, which involves compiling precise documentation, a DS-160 form, extra visa fees, and attending an in-person interview. Any minor error can lead to delays or denials. Our team worked with Daniel’s tight deadline of a month and got the case approved. Are you exploring a TN visa? Contact our team today.