Interior designers are listed under the USMCA (NAFTA) professions list as a profession that qualifies for a TN visa. If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen with an offer of employment as an interior designer from a U.S. employer, you may qualify to work and live in the United States under TN visa status.
What is an Interior Designer for TN Visa Purposes?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), interior designers make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items such as colors, lighting, and materials. They must be able to draw, read, and edit blueprints and must also be aware of building codes, inspection regulations, and other considerations such as accessibility standards.
Interior designers typically do the following:
- Search for and bid on new projects;
- Determine the client’s goals and requirements for the project;
- Consider how the space will be used and how people will move through the space;
- Sketch preliminary design plans, including electrical and partition layouts;
- Specify materials and furnishings such as lighting, furniture, wall finishes, flooring, and plumbing fixtures;
- Create a timeline for the interior design project and estimate project costs;
- Place orders for materials and oversee installation of design elements;
- Oversee construction and coordinate with building contractors to implement design plans; and
- Visit the site after project completion to ensure the client is satisfied.
Interior designers often work closely with architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and construction professionals to determine how interior spaces will function, look, and be furnished.
Qualifications: TN Visa as an Interior Designer
Like all TN visas, an individual must meet specific requirements to qualify as an interior designer. These include:
- Canadian or Mexican citizenship (Permanent Residents do not qualify);
- A job offer from a U.S. employer or a contract with a U.S. entity;
- The job duties must be consistent with those of an interior designer;
- A Baccalaureate or Licenciatura in fine arts or a closely related field, typically including coursework in Interior Design, Drawing, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD); OR a post-secondary diploma or certificate and three years of experience;
- Demonstration of nonimmigrant intent, meaning the intent to return to a foreign residence at the end of the temporary employment.
Conclusion
At Richards and Jurusik, our legal practice is dedicated to helping our clients understand U.S. immigration law, with many of our attorneys focusing on USMCA and TN visas. We have helped thousands of qualified professionals successfully obtain TN visa status to work in the United States. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced TN visa lawyers to assist with your application.
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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)
