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TN Visa

TN Work Rules: Part-Time, Two Employers, Remote Work and Ownership

By Growth FLPC

By Kyle Farmer, Farmer Law PC, Austin, Texas.

Last reviewed: November 9, 2026.

Short answer: TN workers can work part-time, and they can work for more than one employer at the same time if each employer is added through CBP, a consulate or USCIS. Remote work inside the United States can be fine when there is a real business need. TN does not allow self-employment, so you cannot work for a company you solely or mainly own.

If you’re on TN status, or an employer of TN workers, and want to check a work arrangement, book a free 15-minute intro call.

Why these rules matter

TN status lets citizens of Canada and Mexico work in the United States in listed professions under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The law is INA 214(e), and the rules are in 8 CFR 214.6. TN status is tied to prearranged professional work for a U.S. employer or entity (8 CFR 214.6(b)). When the work arrangement changes, the TN may need to change too.

For the overall program, see our TN visas page.

Can TN workers work part-time?

Yes. USCIS lists “a prearranged full-time or part-time job for a U.S. employer or entity” as part of TN eligibility, and State’s Foreign Affairs Manual says a TN worker may be employed part-time (USCIS TN page; 9 FAM 402.17-5(A)). The employer letter should state the schedule and pay, along with the other required items: the profession, the duties, the length of stay, your credentials and the pay arrangements (8 CFR 214.6(d)(3)(ii)).

Can a TN worker have two employers?

Yes. A person in TN status may work for more than one employer at the same time (9 FAM 402.17-5(A)). Each employer has to be added properly before that work starts:

  • In the United States: the new or added employer files Form I-129 with USCIS. Work for a different or additional employer is not authorized until USCIS approves it (8 CFR 214.6(i)(1)).
  • At the border (Canadians): a Canadian can apply for readmission at a port of entry with documents from the new or additional employer and pay the fee (8 CFR 214.6(i)(2)).
  • At a consulate (Mexicans): a Mexican citizen can present the new or additional employer’s documents to a consular officer for a new TN visa. More than one employer can be annotated on a single TN visa (8 CFR 214.6(i)(2); 9 FAM 402.17-5(A)).

Starting work for a second employer before it is added is a status problem. Plan it first.

Moving jobsites with the same employer

If the same employer moves you to another branch or office to do the same work, no new filing is needed. A move to a separately incorporated subsidiary or affiliate is treated as a change of employer and needs a new filing or readmission (8 CFR 214.6(i)(3); 9 FAM 402.17-5(A)).

Can a TN worker work remotely?

Remote work inside the United States can fit TN when there is a legitimate business need for it (9 FAM 402.17-5(A)). Two limits matter:

  • Working for a foreign location while living here. State says a TN applicant would not be allowed to live in the United States and telework to a location in a foreign country for the employee’s convenience, because TN eligibility is based on the primary location of the business.
  • Living here, working mainly abroad. If you plan to live in the United States but work mainly in Canada or Mexico, the officer looks at whether professional work for a U.S. entity is really the main purpose of the trip (9 FAM 402.17-5(A)).

If your work location will be a home office in a different U.S. city, tell us early. It can affect the employer letter and other employer obligations.

Can I own the company that hires me?

Not as the sole or controlling owner. TN does not authorize setting up a business or practice in which you are, in substance, self-employed, and you are treated as self-employed if you provide services to a company of which you are the sole or controlling shareholder or owner (8 CFR 214.6(b)). USCIS also looks at whether you substantially control the company in practice, regardless of your percentage of ownership, and whether it was set up to facilitate your own self-employment (USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Part P, Ch. 2(B)). State’s manual points people seeking self-employment to other categories, possibly including E-1 or E-2 (9 FAM 402.17-5(A)). See our E-2 visa page.

The employing company must also be a real entity, not one that disguises self-employment (9 FAM 402.17-5(A)).

What happens if my TN job ends?

If your TN job ends, you are not treated as out of status for that reason alone for up to 60 consecutive days, or until your authorized stay ends if sooner. This period is available once per authorized validity period, DHS can shorten it, and you cannot work during it (8 CFR 214.1(l)(2)). In that time, a new employer can file for you, you can change to another status if eligible, or you can prepare to leave (8 CFR 214.1(l)(3)). Neither you nor the employer is required to notify State when the job ends (9 FAM 402.17-5(A)).

Stay, renewals and limits

  • Up to 3 years per admission (8 CFR 214.6(e)).
  • No total limit on years in TN status while each stay remains temporary (8 CFR 214.6(h)(1)(iv); 9 FAM 402.17-9).
  • Temporary entry. You must show the assignment will end at a predictable time and that you will leave when it ends (8 CFR 214.6(b)).
  • No self-employment. TN does not cover work for a company of which you are the sole or controlling owner (8 CFR 214.6(b)).

See TN renewal and changing employers for later steps.

How Farmer Law PC helps

Our attorneys help TN workers and their employers set up part-time, multi-employer and remote arrangements correctly, add employers through USCIS, CBP or a consulate and plan next steps after a job ends.

FAQ

Can I work part-time on a TN visa?
Yes. TN covers a prearranged full-time or part-time job for a U.S. employer or entity. The employer letter should state the schedule and the pay.

Can I work for two employers on TN status?
Yes, if each employer is added properly first, through a USCIS filing, readmission at the border for Canadians, or a new TN visa for Mexicans. Work for an added employer cannot start before that.

Can a TN worker work remotely from home?
Remote work inside the United States can fit when there is a legitimate business need. You cannot live in the United States and telework to a foreign location for your own convenience.

Can I own the company that employs me on TN?
Not if you solely or substantially control it. TN does not allow self-employment, and USCIS looks at control in practice, not just share percentage.

How long do I have if my TN job ends?
Up to 60 consecutive days, or until your authorized stay ends if sooner, once per validity period. You cannot work during that time, and DHS can shorten it.

Talk with us

If you’re a TN worker or an employer with a question about a work arrangement, book a free 15-minute intro call with one of our attorneys, or call (512) 588-5909.