/* ---- TOP /VISA-AGENT CTA BAR ---- */ #vs-top-cta-bar { position: fixed; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; z-index: 90; background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--navy, #0D1F3C) 0%, var(--navy-deep, #081629) 100%); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1); padding: 11px 20px; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: 14px; box-shadow: 0 2px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.18); flex-wrap: wrap; font-family: 'Space Grotesk', 'DM Sans', sans-serif; } #vs-top-cta-bar .vs-top-cta-tag { font-size: 0.68rem; font-weight: 700; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 0.1em; color: var(--teal, #0BA5B5); } #vs-top-cta-bar .vs-top-cta-headline { font-size: 0.92rem; font-weight: 600; color: #fff; } #vs-top-cta-bar .vs-top-cta-headline em { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.7); font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; } #vs-top-cta-bar .vs-top-cta-btn { background: #0EA5E9; color: #fff; padding: 8px 16px; border-radius: 8px; font-size: 0.82rem; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap; transition: opacity 0.15s; } #vs-top-cta-bar .vs-top-cta-btn:hover { opacity: 0.88; } @media (max-width: 640px) { #vs-top-cta-bar { padding: 9px 14px; gap: 8px; } #vs-top-cta-bar .vs-top-cta-tag { display: none; } #vs-top-cta-bar .vs-top-cta-headline { font-size: 0.82rem; } body.has-top-cta-bar { padding-top: 92px; } } /* ---- INLINE /VISA-AGENT CTA ---- */ .vs-inline-cta { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 14px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #0EA5E9 0%, #0BA5B5 100%); color: #fff; border-radius: 12px; padding: 16px 22px; margin: 24px 0; font-family: 'Space Grotesk', 'DM Sans', sans-serif; } .vs-inline-cta p { margin: 0; font-size: 0.92rem; color: #fff; font-weight: 600; } .vs-inline-cta p em { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.85); font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; } .vs-inline-cta-btn { background: #fff; color: var(--navy, #0D1F3C); padding: 9px 18px; border-radius: 8px; font-size: 0.85rem; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap; flex-shrink: 0; transition: background 0.15s; } .vs-inline-cta-btn:hover { background: var(--gray-50, #F8FAFC); } /* Offset body for fixed top bar (scroll position unaffected — bar overlay-only) */ body.has-top-cta-bar { padding-top: 56px; } B-1 vs TN Visa: Side-by-Side Comparison 2026 | Which Is Right for You? | USVisaStack
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Home›Compare Visas›B-1 vs TN Visa: Side-by-Side Comparison 2026 | Which Is Right for You?
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B-1 vs TN Visa: Side-by-Side Comparison 2026 | Which Is Right for You?: Side-by-Side Comparison

A data-driven comparison of B-1 and TN: requirements, duration, cap, approval rates, and green card paths for 2026.

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⚠️ Informational only. Immigration rules change. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.

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

Visa TypeVisitor
DurationUp to 6 months
SponsorshipNone needed
Annual CapNo cap
Green Card PathCannot work
Premium ProcessingNo
Wage RequirementCannot work

TN

Visa TypeNonimmigrant
Duration3 yrs (renewable)
SponsorshipRequired
Annual CapNo cap
Green Card PathDual intent issues
Premium ProcessingNo
Wage RequirementActual wage
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Approval Rate Comparison

B-1 Approval History

YearPetitionsApproval Rate
202418,0007600.0%
202412,0008300.0%
2024148,9237751.0%

TN Approval History

YearPetitionsApproval Rate
202428,9239303.0%
202326,2349305.0%
202223,8929317.0%

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Related Pages

TN Fee BreakdownFull government & attorney costsTN RequirementsEligibility criteria & pitfalls
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between B-1 and TN?
B-1 is Visitor while TN is Nonimmigrant. B-1 requires none needed, while TN requires required. Duration: B-1 lasts Up to 6 months vs TN lasting 3 yrs (renewable).
Can I switch from B-1 to TN?
Switching between visa types typically requires filing a new petition or change-of-status application with USCIS. Each situation is different. Consult an immigration attorney to evaluate your specific circumstances.
Which is better for a green card — B-1 or TN?
Dual intent issues has different green card implications. Cannot work is a nonimmigrant path that may lead to a green card. Your best path depends on your qualifications, nationality, and employer situation.