The TN visa remains a quick and convenient way for Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in the United States, whether it is under NAFTA (now USMCA). But even in 2025, denials of TN visas are still a reality, and they tend to come as a surprise to many applicants. Regardless of whether you applied at the border or through USCIS, a denial can be disheartening and confusing. The good news is that many can be fixed, refiled, or appealed — if dealt with legally correctly.
At The Law Office of Olena Manilich, we help professional workers learn why their application for a TN visa was denied and what to do next. If your case was denied or you are planning to apply again, schedule consultation with us, and we will review your case and help you move forward.
Why TN Visa Applications Get Denied
The bulk of TN denials fall into a few common types. Occasionally, the job title is not found on the list of approved occupations in the USMCA agreement. Elsewhere, the officer may not be satisfied that job duties qualify for the TN category. Problems also arise when the degree or qualifications of the applicant do not neatly match up with the job.
As an example, one of our clients who worked as a Canadian engineer filed a TN visa to work in the product development department of a U.S. company. The officer rejected the application, explaining that the position seemed more like marketing than engineering. After scrutinizing the job description and the company’s internal role hierarchy, we assisted the client in updating the documents and filing a fresh application. This time, they got the visa.
Not sure if your job falls under an approved TN profession? We can help analyze the position and create a stronger case. Visit our TN visa services occupation categories for more on this.
How to Appeal or Reapply After a TN Denial
TN visa denials at the border or pre-flight inspection are not accompanied by formal appeal rights, but this is not the last word on your case. Many times, the way to go is to fix the problem, reapply, and resubmit. There might be a possibility to file a motion to reopen or reconsider for USCIS denials. This needs to be along with an explicit explanation, further evidence, and no optional timetable for filing.
The legal fees involved in responding to a TN visa rejection vary depending on the circumstances. If we assist in the preparation of a new TN visa application that includes corrected documentation and stronger evidence, attorney fees can be approximately between $2,500 and $4,000. This fee could be higher if you need a motion to USCIS filed or additional submissions. Fees payable to the government generally range from $460 to $1,225, depending on how the application is handled.
Before you consider appealing, reapplying, or changing courses, consult with an experienced immigration attorney. TN visa regulations may seem simple “on their face” but usually require careful strategy. Reach out to The Law Office of Olena Manilich to see what’s available for your circumstances.
Moving Forward After a TN Visa Denial
A TN visa denial in 2025 doesn’t have to be the end of your U.S. career hopes. Often, the issue is a lack of clarity about what the job requires, a lack of supporting documentation, or a failure to understand the rules. If we can isolate the problem, we can likely help you reapply or find another route.
If you are being denied, the Law Office of Olena Manilich can assist you. We invest the time to learn about your immigration objectives. We can work together to forge a strong way forward— whether that’s the TN visa or another work visa or some other long-term solution.
Contact us today for your TN visa case. We’ll support you with clarity, honesty, and individual care.
