TN Visa Career Categories and Jobs List

Introduction to TN Visa

The TN visa is a nonimmigrant visa category created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), designed specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. This visa streamlines the process for qualified professionals to work in the United States in a wide range of designated TN visa professions. To be eligible, applicants must be either a Canadian or Mexican citizen and must demonstrate that they are entering the U.S. to engage in professional activities at a level consistent with their education and experience. The TN visa is an excellent option for Canadian and Mexican citizens seeking temporary employment in the U.S., as it provides a straightforward path to work authorization without the lengthy processing times of other visa categories. Additionally, under certain circumstances, TN visa holders may be able to adjust their status to permanent residence, making it a flexible choice for those considering a longer-term stay.

TN Visa Qualifications and Post Secondary Diploma Requirements

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.

An applicant seeking admission must present documentation of their educational credentials, which should be issued by an accredited academic institution or an academic institution recognized by federal or state law. Typically, a post secondary diploma, post secondary certificate, or degree from a post secondary educational institution is required. Post secondary education refers to studies completed after high school at an educational institution. Credentials may be awarded by an academic institution created or recognized by government authorities, and successful completion of the required education is necessary for eligibility.

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
• Animal Scientist
• Architect
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster (involves claims adjustment and insurance adjustment pertaining to disaster relief claims; may require employment with an insurance company located in the territory of a USMCA party)
• Economist
• Engineer
• Forester
• Forestry Specialist
• Graphic Designer
• Hotel Manager
• Industrial Designer
• Interior Designer
• Land Surveyor
• Landscape Architect
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Management Consultant
• Mathematician
• Occupational Therapist
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapists
• Range Manager/Range Conservationist
• Research Assistant
• Scientific Technician (within certain industries)
• Social Worker
• Social Workers
• Sylviculturist
• Technical Publications Writer
• Urban Planner
• Urban Planners
• Vocational Counselor
• Vocational Counselors

Business Professions

Business professions are a key category within the TN visas program, offering opportunities for professionals such as accountants, management consultants, and marketing specialists to work in the United States. To qualify, applicants must possess theoretical knowledge in their field, typically demonstrated by a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree in a closely related field. In addition to educational qualifications, practical experience is often required—especially for roles like management consultant, where at least five years of experience in a specialty related to the consulting agreement is expected. These professionals must be seeking temporary entry to the U.S. to provide services that require their expertise, ensuring that their skills are directly relevant to the position offered. The combination of advanced education and specialty experience ensures that TN visa holders are well-equipped to contribute to U.S. businesses in a meaningful way.

Medical Professions

• Dentist (A recognized qualification such as 'Doctor en Cirugia Dental' may be required for eligibility)
• Dietician
• Medical Laboratory Technologist
• Nutritionist
• Occupational Therapist
• Pharmacist
• Physician (teaching or research only)
• Physiotherapist
• Psychologist
• Recreational Therapist
• Registered Nurse
• Veterinarian

Science Professions and Computer Systems Analyst Roles

Many science professions require the ability to conduct research, including both basic and applied research, as part of their professional responsibilities.

• Agriculturist
• Animal Breeder
• Animal Scientist
• Apiculturist
• Astronomer
• Biochemist
• Biologist – Professionals in this field may conduct research in areas such as ecology, physiology, and may also be involved in genetic engineering and conduct basic or applied research.
• Chemist – Chemists conduct research and study substances at the atomic and molecular levels to analyze their properties, interactions, and structures.
• Dairy Scientist – Dairy scientists focus on conducting research related to dairy cattle, milk production, and dairy product quality, aiming to improve efficiency and product standards.
• Entomologist
• Epidemiologist
• Geneticist – Geneticists may conduct research in genetics, including genetic engineering, and are often involved in basic or applied research to advance scientific understanding or develop new applications.
• 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 for Mexican Citizens

The TN visa occupation list is determined by the terms outlined many years ago in NAFTA. The list is used to determine eligibility for professionals seeking entry to the United States under the USMCA agreement. 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.

Application Process

Applying for a TN visa involves several important steps to ensure eligibility and a smooth entry into the United States. First, applicants should confirm that their occupation is included on the official list of TN visa professions. Once eligibility is established, the next step is to gather all required documentation, which typically includes a valid passport, a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree, and evidence of relevant work experience or credentials. Applicants must then submit their TN visa application and supporting documents either at a U.S. port of entry (for Canadian citizens) or at a U.S. consulate or embassy (for Mexican citizens). The process concludes with an interview conducted by a U.S. immigration officer, during which the applicant will answer questions about their qualifications and the nature of their employment. Careful preparation and thorough documentation are key to a successful TN visa application.

Benefits of TN Visa

The TN visa offers a range of valuable benefits for Canadian and Mexican citizens seeking professional opportunities in the United States. One of the primary advantages is the ability to work in the U.S. for up to three years at a time, with the option to renew the visa indefinitely as long as eligibility requirements are met. TN visa holders can also bring their spouse and children to the U.S., allowing families to stay together while working abroad. For those considering a longer-term future in the U.S., the TN visa can provide a pathway to permanent residence under certain conditions. As a nonimmigrant visa, the TN does not require applicants to demonstrate intent to immigrate, making it ideal for professionals who wish to solve practical problems or gain international experience on a temporary basis. With its broad eligibility across business, healthcare, and social science fields, the TN visa is a versatile and accessible option for many qualified professionals from Canada or Mexico.

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:

Note: TN visa holders are granted TN nonimmigrant status upon entry to the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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.
2. 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. Note: A Canadian citizen must provide proof of citizenship when applying for a TN visa.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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. Note: A Canadian citizen must provide proof of citizenship when applying for a TN visa.
7. 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.
8. 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. TN visa holders may also be granted temporary entry to provide direct support in their professional field.
9. 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.
10. 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. TN visa holders may also be admitted to provide direct support in their area of professional expertise.
11. 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.
12. 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).
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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. Citizens of Canada 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.