Major USCIS TN Visa Changes for Multiple Occupations (June 2025 Update)
In June 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued revised guidance affecting eligibility for several TN visa professions under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). These changes provide clarity on qualifications, job duties, and acceptable credentials—while also imposing stricter scrutiny on certain roles. If your profession is listed below, it’s critical to review these updates before applying for or renewing a TN visa.
1. Scientific Technician/Technologist (ST/T)
USCIS has emphasized that applicants must:
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Possess theoretical knowledge in science or engineering fields.
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Support a qualified supervisory professional engaged in listed scientific disciplines.
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Show a clear nexus between training and job duties.
Key Update: Supporting roles in patient care (e.g., assisting a physician) do not qualify. However, lab-based or research support may qualify if directly tied to scientific disciplines.
2. Engineer
USCIS now applies a four-part test:
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The applicant must hold a bachelor’s or licenciatura degree in the engineering field related to the position.
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Duties must align with engineering tasks per the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH).
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The title and actual job duties must reflect true engineering work.
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Computer or IT roles are generally excluded, unless the degree and tasks are engineering-specific.
Key Impact: Most software, IT, or general tech roles are no longer qualifying under “Engineer” without a matching degree and duties.
3. Economist
Applicants must:
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Hold a degree in economics or closely related field.
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Perform duties centered on economic research and policy analysis.
Disqualified Roles Include:
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Market researchers
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Financial analysts
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Marketing strategists
Even with the title “Economist,” if the duties reflect another profession, the applicant will likely be denied.
4. Medical Laboratory Technologist
To qualify, you must:
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Perform scientific lab testing, not direct patient care.
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Have a valid Health Care Worker Certification.
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Be engaged in diagnostic or treatment-related lab analysis.
Roles that No Longer Qualify:
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Radiologic technologists
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Sonographers
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Any technician assisting physicians in patient-facing settings
Only those doing laboratory-based work are eligible under this TN category.
5. Computer Systems Analyst
Requirements include:
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A bachelor’s degree or a diploma/certificate + 3 years’ relevant experience.
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Job duties that focus on systems analysis – not software development or programming.
Not Covered:
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Roles with primary focus on coding
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General IT support
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Software developers without system analysis duties
6. Physicians (Teaching or Research Only)
Physicians may only qualify under TN if their role is exclusively teaching or research.
Disallowed:
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Clinical roles
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Patient diagnosis or treatment
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Any position where patient care is more than incidental
You may still have incidental patient contact, but it cannot be a core part of the role.
Takeaway
These new updates aim to unify USCIS and CBP adjudication practices and minimize inconsistent decisions. However, many professionals—especially in IT, healthcare, and general business roles—may now find it harder to qualify under traditional TN categories.
If you fall under one of these professions:
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Reassess your qualifications and job duties carefully.
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Work closely with an immigration attorney to strengthen your support letter and evidence.
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Ensure your role and academic background precisely match the updated USCIS expectations.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
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