TN Visa Career Categories and Jobs List
TN Visa Qualifications
To be eligible for a TN visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
- Possess the necessary education and license to practice their profession
- Have a job offer from a U.S. employer that requires business activities in the U.S. (self-employment is not allowed)
- Mexican need a TN visa from a U.S. Consulate or Embassy, while Canadians can seek admission in TN status at a U.S. port of entry.
With these qualifications in mind, let's explore the approved career categories and jobs for a TN visa.
Approved TN Visa Career Categories and Jobs
TN-Qualifying Professions
- Accountant
- Architect
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster
- Economist
- Engineer
- Forester
- Graphic Designer
- Hotel Manager
- Industrial Designer
- Interior Designer
- Land Surveyor
- Landscape Architect
- Lawyer
- Librarian
- Management Consultant
- Mathematician
- Range Manager/Range Conservationist
- Research Assistant
- Scientific Technician (within certain industries)
- Social Worker
- Sylviculturist
- Technical Publications Writer
- Urban Planner
- Vocational Counselor
Medical Professions
- Dentist
- Dietician
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Nutritionist
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Physician (teaching or research only)
- Physiotherapist
- Psychologist
- Recreational Therapist
- Registered Nurse
- Veterinarian
Science Professions
- Agriculturist
- Animal Breeder
- Animal Scientist
- Apiculturist
- Astronomer
- Biochemist
- Biologist
- Chemist
- Dairy Scientist
- Entomologist
- Epidemiologist
- Geneticist
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Horticulturist
- Meteorologist
- Pharmacologist
- Physicist
- Plant Breeder
- Poultry Scientist
- Soil Scientist
- Zoologist
Teaching Professions
- College Professor
- Seminary Professor
- University Professor
The minimum requirement for most of the qualifying professions is a bachelor's degree, while some require advanced degrees or professional licenses. The official list of professions and qualifications can be found here.
TN Visa List and NAFTA
The TN visa occupation list is determined by the terms outlined many years ago in NAFTA. It has not been updated to include new occupations. This is particularly obvious in the IT field, where “Computer Systems Analyst” is the only qualifying occupation.
Differences Between TN and H-1B Visas
Professionals who do not qualify for a TN visa and employers who want to hire them might consider an H-1B visa. Here's a brief overview of the key differences between TN and H-1B visas:
| TN Visa | H-1B Visa |
|---|---|
| - Educated and licensed professionals in a specific list of occupations | - Educated and licensed professionals in a broader range of specialty occupations |
| - Requires employer sponsorship | - Requires employer sponsorship |
| - Unlimited number of visas available | - Limited number of visas available each year |
| - Visa duration: Up to 3 years, with indefinite renewals | - Visa duration: 3 years, extendable to 6 years total |
| - No dual intent - not fully compatible with seeking a green card | - Dual intent allowed - fully compatible with seeking a green card |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a TN visa? A TN visa is a non-immigrant visa established under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to facilitate the movement of professionals within North America. It is available exclusively to Canadians and Mexicans so that they can work in the U.s. in the specific professions outlined in the NAFTA agreement.
- What are the basic qualifications for a TN visa? The basic qualifications for a TN visa include being a citizen of Canada or Mexico, having the necessary credentials and licenses, and having a qualifying job offer from a U.S. employer.
- What professions are eligible for a TN visa? The eligible professions for a TN visa are divided into four categories: General Professions, Medical Professions, Science Professions, and Teaching Professions. A comprehensive list of eligible jobs can be found in the "Approved TN Visa Career Categories and Jobs" section above.
- What is the duration of a TN visa? A TN visa is initially valid for up to three years, and it can be renewed indefinitely every three years.
- Can a TN visa holder apply for U.S. permanent residency? Pursuing U.S. permanent residency may impact someone’s ability to continue holding TN status. A TN worker should work closely with immigration counsel to protect their TN status if and when they decide to seek a green card.
- Do TN visa applicants need a job offer? Yes, TN visa applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer and cannot sponsor themselves.
- Can a TN visa holder work for multiple employers? Yes, a TN visa holder can work for multiple employers. However, they must obtain separate TN status for each employer.
- Can a TN visa holder bring their spouse and children to the U.S.? Yes, a TN worker's spouse and children under the age of 21 can accompany them to the U.S. under TD status. Canadians are exempt from the visa requirement and may seek admission in TD status at a U.S. port of entry, while Mexicans require a visa from a U.S. Consulate or Embassy to be admitted in TD status.
- Can a spouse or child of a TN visa holder work in the U.S? The spouse and children of a TN visa holder are not authorized to work in the U.S. under the TD visa status. They must obtain their own work visas if they wish to seek employment.
- Can a TN visa holder study in the U.S.? Yes, a TN visa holder can study in the U.S. in addition to holding their TN job.
- Is there a limit to the number of TN visas issued each year? There is no limit to the number of TN visas issued each year. All applicants who meet the requirements can be granted TN status.
- What is the process of renewing a TN visa? TN visa holders can renew their visa by applying for an extension with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or by departing the U.S. and applying for a new TN visa (for Mexicans) or seeking a new period of stay (for Canadians).
- Can a TN visa holder change employers? Yes, a TN visa holder can change employers. However, they must be approved by the U.S government to work for the new employer before starting work.
- What happens if a TN visa holder loses their job? If a TN visa holder loses their job, they must find a new sponsoring employer and obtain a new TN visa or leave the U.S. to maintain their legal status.
- How long does it take to process a TN visa application? The processing time for a TN visa application varies depending on the method of application and the applicant's nationality. Canadian citizens can typically obtain a TN visa on the same day at the border or pre-flight inspection, while Mexican citizens may need to schedule and attend an appointment at a U.S. consulate. Processing a TN petition through USCIS takes longer than either in-person process, but Premium Processing is available with a two-week adjudication period.
- What are the grounds for TN visa denial? Grounds for TN visa denial may include not meeting the eligibility criteria, insufficient documentation, discrepancies in the application, or the applicant's inadmissibility to the U.S. based on health, criminal, or security grounds.
- What is the difference between a TN visa and a TN status? A TN visa is a travel document issued by a U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Canadians are visa exempt, while Mexicans require a TN visa to enter the U.S. in TN status. TN status refers to the immigration status granted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to someone upon their entry to the U.S. under the TN visa category.
- How can a TN visa holder maintain their legal status while in the U.S.? A TN visa holder can maintain their legal status by working for their approved employer, not engaging in unauthorized employment, and adhering to the terms and conditions of their visa, including timely renewal or departure from the U.S. upon visa expiration.