List of Professional careers that qualify for the T.N. Visa and some common questions..
What is a T.N. Visa, and who can get one?
The TN visa category was created as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to facilitate the entry of Mexican and Canadian professionals into the United States. The TN visa allows qualified professionals from these two countries to temporarily enter the U.S. to engage in certain professional activities.
To be eligible for a T.N. visa, the professional must have a prearranged offer of employment in one of the qualifying professions listed below. In addition, the professional must have the necessary qualifications for the position, which generally requires at least a bachelor’s Degree (or the equivalent). The job must also meet certain criteria outlined in the NAFTA agreement.
What are the requirements to obtain a T.N. visa?
To obtain a T.N. visa, the professional must have a valid passport from Canada or Mexico, a letter from their employer specifying the job’s nature and qualifications, and proof of payment of the required visa application fee. In some cases, additional documentation may be required. For example, if the professional is seeking a T.N. visa to work as a registered nurse, they would need to obtain a letter from the state licensing board confirming their eligibility to practice nursing in the United States.
Do you need a university degree to apply for a T.N. visa?
Yes, you do need a professional degree or license to apply for a T.N. visa. Therefore, you must have the required credentials for your specific profession. For some professions, a specific license may be required as well. For other occupations, such as computer systems analyst or graphic designer, professional experience may be substituted for a university degree.
Listed below, you will find the professions and minimum requirements listed under Appendix 1603.D.1 (Annotated)
Note: some of these professions also require a specific license (state, provincial, federal, etc.) and/or two to three years of experience in the field. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more detailed information.
- Accountant – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Architect – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Computer Systems Analyst – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Disaster relief insurance claims adjuster – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree and successful completion of training in the appropriate areas of insurance adjustment
- Economist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Engineer – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Forester – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Graphic Designer – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Industrial Designer – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Interior Designer – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate
- Land Surveyor – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Landscape Architect – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Lawyer – L.L.B., J.D., L.L.L., B.C.L., or Licenciatura degree
- Librarian – M.L.S., or B.L.S. (for which another Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree was a prerequisite)
- Management Consultant – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Mathematician (including Statistician and Actuary) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Range Manager/Range Conservationist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Research Assistant (working in a post-secondary educational institution) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Social Worker – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Sylviculturist (including Forestry Specialist) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Technical Publications Writer – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Urban Planner (including Geographer) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Vocational Counselor – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
MEDICAL/ALLIED PROFESSIONALS
- Dentist – D.D.S., D.M.D., Doctor en Odontologia or Doctor en Cirugia Dental or state/provincial license
- Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada)/Medical Technologist (Mexico and the United States) (7) –Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Nutritionist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Occupational Therapist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license
- Pharmacist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license
- Physician (teaching or research only) – M.D. Doctor en Medicina; or state/provincial license
- Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license
- Psychologist – state/provincial license; or Licenciatura Degree
- Recreational Therapist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Registered nurse – state/provincial license or Licenciatura Degree
- Veterinarian – D.V.M., D.M.V., or Doctor en Veterinaria; or state/provincial license
SCIENTIST
- Agriculturist (including Agronomist) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Animal Breede – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Animal Scientist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Apiculturist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Astronomer – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Biochemist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Biologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Chemist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Dairy Scientist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Entomologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Epidemiologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Geneticist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Geochemist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Geologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Geophysicist (including Oceanographer in Mexico and the United States)–Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Horticulturist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Meteorologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Pharmacologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Physicist (including Oceanographer in Canada) – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Plant Breeder – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Poultry Scientist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Soil Scientist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Zoologist – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
TEACHER
- College – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- Seminary – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
- University – Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Vía NAFSA Adviser’s Manual 360
How long can a professional stay in the United States on a T.N. visa?
A TN visa is valid for up to three years, and it can be renewed indefinitely. However, the professional must maintain their status by remaining employed in a qualifying profession and meeting all other requirements of the T.N. visa category. If the professional changes employers, they may need to apply for a new T.N. visa.
What are the benefits of having a T.N. visa, and how long does it last?
The main benefits of having a T.N. visa are that it allows you to live and work in the United States for a specific period, typically three years. Additionally, it can be renewed indefinitely if you maintain your status and meet the requirements. Finally, family members of T.N. visa holders (including spouses and unmarried children under 21) may also apply for T.N. visas.
Can spouses and dependents accompany the T.N. worker to the U.S.?
Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany the T.N. worker to the United States on derivative visas. However, they will not be able to work in the United States unless they obtain their work visa.
Are there any restrictions on what a T.N. visa holder can do while in the United States?
T.N. visa holders are restricted to working in their specific fields of expertise. Additionally, they may only work for the employer listed on their T.N. visa application. As mentioned above, if they wish to change employers, they must obtain a new T.N. visa. Finally, TN visa holders are not permitted to attend school full-time or engage in any other unauthorized activities.
If you are a professional looking to make a move to the United States, the T.N. visa may be an excellent option for you. Our team of experts at Vidal Law Firm can help guide you through the process of exploring your options and applying for this visa. Please schedule an appointment today to learn more about how we can help you take advantage of this opportunity and begin your journey in the United States.
