TN Visa Cost in New York 2026
How much a TN visa costs in New York in 2026. Government fees, attorney fees and total estimated cost.
Applying for a TN visa in 2026? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — USCIS filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory USCIS fees for the TN
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a TN application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS-160 Visa Application (MRV) Fee (border) | $56 | $56 at the border; $1,055 if filing Form I-129 via USCIS. | Official ↗ |
Source: USCIS Fee Schedule. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
$2,600 – $6,500 in New York. Typical cities: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
$200 – $500 — Civil surgeon exam (I-693) varies by physician and city.
Translation services
$50 – $250 — Certified translations of birth/marriage certificates.
Other optional fees
- I-129 Petition (if filed via USCIS): $1,055
- Asylum Program Fee (if filing Form I-129): $600 — Applies only if filing via USCIS Form I-129, not at the border. $300 for employers with ≤25 FTEs; $0 for nonprofits.
How to apply for the TN
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Must be a citizen (not just permanent resident) of Canada or Mexico, in a profession listed on USMCA Appendix 2.
- 2
Obtain an employer support letter
Detailing the TN-qualifying position, duties, salary, and temporary nature of the employment.
- 3
Canadian citizens: apply at the border
Present documents at a U.S. port of entry and request TN classification on the spot — no USCIS petition required.
- 4
Mexican citizens: consular processing
Apply for a TN visa via DS-160 and a consular interview.
Typical processing time: Canadian citizens can obtain TN status the same day at a port of entry; Mexican citizens go through standard consular processing; USCIS-filed extensions run on regular I-129 timelines, with premium processing available.
Documents you'll need
- Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship (passport)
- Employer support letter describing the TN role, salary, and duration
- Credential documentation proving the education/experience requirement
- Resume/CV showing relevant qualifications
- Form I-129 (for extensions/status changes filed inside the U.S.)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Job title/duties not matching a listed USMCA Appendix 2 profession
- Weak employer letters missing salary, duration, or temporary-intent language
- Unverifiable or insufficiently documented educational credentials
- Signals of immigrant intent undermining the TN's non-dual-intent requirement, especially at renewal
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | $56 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | $2,656 – $6,556 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | $4,611 – $9,011 |
How to save money on your TN
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut $2,600–$6,500.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the USCIS website so you never overpay a third party.
TN cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a TN visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a TN visa in 2026 ranges from about $2,656 to $9,011, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the TN application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. USCIS publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a TN visa?
Attorney fees typically add $2,000–$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a TN visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a TN visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the USCIS website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with USCIS before paying.
How often do USCIS fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a TN visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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