How to Qualify for a TN Visa as an Animal Breeder

The profession of an Animal Breeder is one of the qualifying roles for TN visa status under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). If you’re a Canadian or Mexican citizen with a job offer in the U.S. as an animal breeder, you may be eligible to live and work in the United States on a TN visa. Here, we’ll outline what it means to be an animal breeder for TN visa purposes, the qualifications needed, and how to successfully apply.

What is an Animal Breeder for TN Visa Purposes?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook defines the role of an Animal Breeder as a profession involving the selection and breeding of animals based on genealogy, physical traits, and offspring qualities. This role may require proficiency in artificial insemination and other breeding techniques, along with record-keeping on various animal lineage, health, and reproductive data. It excludes those whose primary function is scientific research (such as “animal scientists”) or animal caretaking with occasional breeding responsibilities (“animal caretakers”).

Typical Duties of an Animal Breeder

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), an animal breeder does the following:

Select and breed animals according to their genealogy, characteristics, and offspring. May require knowledge of artificial insemination techniques and equipment use. May involve keeping records on heats, birth intervals, or pedigree. Excludes “animal scientists” (19-1011) whose primary function is research and “animal caretakers” (39-2021) who may occasionally breed animals as part of their other caretaking duties.

According to O*NET, an animal breeder typically performs the following duties:

• Evaluate animals’ genealogy, physical characteristics, and offspring quality to determine breeding potential.
• Use artificial insemination techniques and appropriate equipment when necessary.
• Keep detailed records on animal lineage, heats, birth intervals, and other pedigree data.
• Monitor the health and condition of animals to ensure breeding readiness.
• Select animals for breeding based on genetic factors, productivity, or health.
• Manage animal habitats to promote health and safety.
• Conduct weaning, castration, and health checks as part of animal maintenance.
• Adjust breeding techniques based on genetic or breed-specific factors.

TN Visa Eligibility Requirements for Animal Breeders

You may qualify for a TN visa as an animal breeder if you meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship: You are a Canadian or Mexican citizen (note that permanent residents are not eligible).
• Job Offer: You have an employment offer from a U.S. employer or contract work with a U.S. client.
• Job Duties: Your job duties align with those expected of an animal breeder.
• Educational Qualifications: You hold a Baccalaureate or Licenciatura degree in a related field.
• Non-Immigrant Intent: You must demonstrate that you intend to return to your home country once your temporary employment is complete.

Consultation

At Richards and Jurusik, our legal practice specializes in U.S. immigration laws with a focus on the USMCA and TN visas. We’ve helped thousands of professionals secure TN visa status, allowing them to work and live in the United States. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced TN visa attorneys, who can guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

Jeremy Richards

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)