Can I get a TN visa as an Automotive Technician, Controls Technician, or Robotics Technician?

It is not always simple to match your profession with one listed under the USMCA that qualifies for TN visa status. Even when your title isn’t a clear match to a USMCA profession, it is possible that you might still qualify for TN visa status. Here we discuss the possibility of obtaining TN Visas status as an Automotive Technician, Controls Technician, and Robotics Technician under the USMCA profession of Scientific Technician or Scientific Technologist.

Can I get a TN visa as an Automotive Technician, Controls Technician, or Robotics Technician?

Although not specifically listed under the USMCA as qualifying professions Automotive technicians, Controls technicians, or Robotics Technicians typically fall under the USMCA profession of a scientific technician/technologist. The following jobs typically fall under this profession: Automation Technician, Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Technician), Instrument and Automation Technician, Instrument Specialist, Instrument Technician, Instrumentation and Controls Technician, Instrumentation and Process Controls Technician, Process Control Technician, Programmable Logic Controllers Technician

The US Department of Labor ONet Online database provides the following description of the duties of a Robotics Technician:

• Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as the replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servo motors.
• Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics.
• Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors.
• Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems.
• Modify computer-controlled robot movements.
• Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components.
• Align, fit, or assemble components, using hand tools, power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes.
• Attach wires between controllers.
• Evaluate the efficiency and reliability of industrial robotic systems, reprogramming or calibrating to achieve maximum quantity and quality.
• Test the performance of robotic assemblies, using instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
• Train customers or other personnel to install, use, or maintain robots.
• Build or assemble robotic devices or systems.
• Document robotics test procedures and results.
• Assist engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic systems.
• Install new robotic systems in stationary positions or on tracks.
• Program complex robotic systems, such as vision systems.
• Develop robotic path motions to maximize efficiency, safety, and quality.
• Fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, or fixtures, using metalworking machines.
• Train robots, using artificial intelligence software or interactive training techniques, to perform simple or complex tasks, such as designing and carrying out a series of iterative tests of chemical samples.
• Inspect installation sites.
• Maintain inventories of robotic production supplies, such as sensors or cables.
• Develop three-dimensional simulations of automation systems.
• Operate robots to perform customized tasks, such as environmental cleanup or explosive detection operations.