The TN Visa, created under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) (formerly NAFTA), is designed for Canadian and Mexican professionals who have a valid U.S. job offer in an eligible occupation. While the TN Visa provides an excellent opportunity to work in the U.S., not all jobs or degrees qualify for TN status.
If you are considering applying for a TN Visa, you must ensure that both:
– Your job is on the TN Visa profession list
– Your education and credentials meet the USMCA requirements
This guide will walk you through:
- How to check if your job qualifies for a TN Visa
- What education and experience requirements you need to meet
- What to do if your degree doesn’t exactly match the requirements
Step 1: Is Your Job on the TN Visa List?
Understanding the TN Visa Profession List
The TN Visa is only available for specific professions listed in the USMCA. If your job isn’t on this list, you won’t qualify for a TN Visa.
Common TN Visa Occupations
- Engineering (including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering)
- Accounting & Finance (Accountants, Economists)
- IT & Tech (Computer Systems Analysts)
- Healthcare (Nurses, Pharmacists, Medical Technologists)
- Science & Research (Biologists, Chemists, Scientists)
- Education (Teachers, University Professors)
- Consulting & Business (Management Consultants, Actuaries)
Where to Check the Full List
Here is the complete TN profession list.
What If Your Job Title Isn’t on the List?
Your job title alone does not determine TN Visa eligibility. Instead, your job duties and education must align with a TN-approved profession.
Example:
If your job title is “Financial Analyst”, but your actual job duties align with the TN-listed occupation of “Economist”, you may still qualify.
However, if your title is “Marketing Manager”, and no TN category aligns with your role, you won’t qualify for TN status.
Pro Tip:
Always compare your job responsibilities to the TN occupation list instead of relying only on job titles.
Step 2: Does Your Degree Meet TN Visa Requirements?
TN Visa Degree & Education Requirements
Each TN Visa occupation has specific education or experience requirements to qualify.
– Most TN professions require a Bachelor’s Degree or higher
– Some professions allow work experience or alternative credentials instead of a degree
Examples of TN Professions & Their Degree Requirements
| TN Profession | Required Education |
|---|---|
| Accountant | Bachelor’s in Accounting or related field |
| Engineer | Bachelor’s in Engineering |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s in related field OR work experience |
| Graphic Designer | Bachelor’s in Graphic Design or related field |
| Management Consultant | No degree required, but significant experience needed |
| Scientific Technician | Degree OR specific experience |
TN Visa Education Rules You MUST Know
- A Bachelor’s Degree must be from an accredited institution in Canada, Mexico, or the U.S.
- A Diploma (2-year program) is only accepted from Canada or the U.S.
- A Certificate (2-year program) is only accepted from Mexico
- Work experience alone is NOT sufficient unless specifically allowed for that profession
Step 3: What If Your Degree Doesn’t Match Exactly?
You may still qualify if:
– Your degree is in a closely related field
– You have significant work experience (for professions that allow it)
– You complete a credential evaluation if your degree was earned outside Canada, Mexico, or the U.S.
Example: TN Engineer Visa
To apply as an Engineer, you must have:
– A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)
– OR a Licensure Degree (for Mexican applicants)
Work experience alone will NOT qualify you for a TN Engineer visa.
Credential Evaluations for Foreign Degrees
If your degree was earned outside North America, you must get a credential evaluation to confirm it is equivalent to a U.S. degree.
For example:
– A 4-year Engineering degree from India may be equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree.
– A 3-year Bachelor’s degree from India is NOT equivalent to a U.S. Bachelor’s degree and will NOT qualify.
Key Rule:
You CANNOT combine degrees or diplomas to meet the TN Visa requirements. Each degree must independently qualify.
The 3-Step TN Visa Eligibility Test
Use this quick test to check if you meet TN Visa requirements:
Step 1: Check the TN Visa Professions List
Find your profession and review its education requirements.
Step 2: Compare Your Degree to the Requirement
– Is your degree in a related field?
– Was it earned in Canada, Mexico, or the U.S.?
Step 3: Get a Credential Evaluation (If Needed)
If your degree was earned outside North America, obtain a credential evaluation to confirm its U.S. equivalency.
Final Tips for TN Visa Applicants
- Gather all required documents – transcripts, diplomas, and certifications
- Translate documents if they are not in English
- Ensure your job offer letter includes:
- Job title & description matching a TN occupation
- Duration of employment (TN visas are temporary)
- Employer details & salary information
- Consult an immigration professional to avoid delays or denials
Conclusion
Before applying for a TN Visa, ensure that:
– Your job is listed in the USMCA TN Visa professions
– Your degree meets the TN Visa education requirements
– Your employer’s job offer letter aligns with TN Visa standards
If you’re unsure whether your job or degree qualifies, consult an immigration attorney to review your credentials and maximize your chances of approval.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
We Can Help!
If you have any questions regarding your qualifications for a TN visa, 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 work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
