The profession of a Medical Technologist has been narrowly defined for TN visa purposes under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA). Before applying, it’s important to understand which professions qualify for TN status within this category, and which do not. We outline the qualifying roles, common misunderstandings, and related requirements below.
What is a Medical Technologist for TN Visa Purposes?
For immigration purposes, Medical Technologists fall under the broader professions of Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Laboratory Technologists, and Laboratory Technicians. These professions are defined as follows:
Clinical Laboratory Scientists
Clinical Laboratory Scientists work in five major areas of the laboratory:
- Blood banking,
- Chemistry,
- Hematology,
- Immunology, and
- Microbiology.
The medical technologist performs a full range of analytical laboratory tests on blood, tissues, and body fluids to provide laboratory information for detecting, diagnosing, and treating human diseases.
Laboratory Technologists and Technicians (Generalists)
Medical Technologists/Clinical Laboratory Scientists are the generalists in the medical laboratory. They perform complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological tests in the major areas of the clinical laboratory and other practice settings. This includes the area of immunohematology (blood banking), where they type and cross-match blood samples for transfusions. Depending on the practice site, they can practice in one, any combination, or all of these areas. (See below for related and unrelated professions.)
Unrelated Professions to a Medical Technologist
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) classifies and provides job descriptions and details for recognized professions.
According to the DOL classification codes for both Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists – 29-2011.00 and Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians – 29-2012.00, the following professions are separate and unique, and are not classified under the profession of Medical Technologist:
- Medical Assistants – 31-9092.00
- Respiratory Therapists – 29-1126.00
- Medical Records & Health Information Technicians – 29-2072.00
- Medical Equipment Preparers – 31-9093.00
- Biomedical Engineers – 17-2031.00
- Respiratory Therapy Technicians – 29-2054.00
- Cardiovascular Technologists & Technicians – 29-2031.00
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists – 29-2033.00
- Radiologic Technicians – 29-2034.02
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers – 29-2032.00
- Radiologic Technologists – 29-2034.010
- Biological Technicians – 19-4021.00
- Nuclear Monitoring Technicians – 19-4051.02
- Pharmacy Technicians – 29-2052.00
- Surgical Technologists – 29-2055.00
USMCA TN Category Requirements
Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada) / Medical Technologist (Mexico and the United States)
Minimum Education & Experience
- Baccalaureate (Bachelor’s) or Licenciatura Degree; or
- Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and
three years of experience.
Permissible Duties Under TN
A business person in this category must be seeking temporary entry to perform laboratory tests and analyses for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases, including chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, or bacteriological tests.
USCIS Guidance
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
An alien in this category must be seeking temporary entry to perform in a laboratory chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, or bacteriological tests and analyses for diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases. The alien must present the health care worker certification described in this chapter.
Healthcare Worker Certification
The applicant must present the required health care worker certification as described in the applicable U.S. immigration regulations for this occupation.
Note: This blog clarifies which professions are recognized under the TN category for Medical Technologists and addresses commonly confused, unrelated roles. Always verify that your job title and day-to-day Duties align with the qualifying definitions before applying.
Consultation
At Richards and Jurusik, our legal practice is devoted to U.S. Immigration Laws, focusing on the USCMA and TN visas. We have helped thousands of qualified professionals successfully obtain TN visa status to work and live in the United States. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced TN visa lawyers to help you with your TN visa application.
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Citations
We Can Help!
You may have questions regarding the TN visa requirements for a medical lab technologist. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
