How to Choose: B-1 vs TN
B-1 Business Visitor and TN (Trade NAFTA/USMCA) both allow certain activities in the US for foreign nationals, but they are fundamentally different in scope. B-1 allows business activities — attending meetings, negotiating contracts, consulting, training — but explicitly prohibits "employment" (performing services for a US employer for remuneration). TN is a work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals in qualifying USMCA occupations, allowing actual employment with a US company. The practical question: if you're a Canadian or Mexican professional being hired as a US employee, you need TN (or H-1B), not B-1. B-1 is for activities that don't constitute employment. A common mistake is using B-1 to perform work that should be on TN status, which can result in immigration violations. For Canadian TN applicants, the border application process is so fast and simple that there's no reason to attempt B-1 for professional services work when TN is available.
B-1
TN
Approval Rate Comparison
B-1 Approval History
| Year | Petitions | Approval Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 18,000 | 7600.0% |
| 2024 | 12,000 | 8300.0% |
| 2024 | 148,923 | 7751.0% |
TN Approval History
| Year | Petitions | Approval Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 28,923 | 9303.0% |
| 2023 | 26,234 | 9305.0% |
| 2022 | 23,892 | 9317.0% |
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