How Do I get a TN Visa as a Geneticist?

Geneticists 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 a geneticist from a US employer, you may qualify to work and live in the US under TN Visa status.

What is a Geneticist for TN Visa purposes?

According to the US Department of Labor (DOL), Geneticists Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism, or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders. Typical duties may include:

• Supervise or direct the work of other geneticists, biologists, technicians, or biometricians working on genetics research projects.
• Plan or conduct basic genomic and biological research related to the regulation of gene expression, protein interactions, metabolic networks, and nucleic acid or protein complexes.
• Prepare results of experimental findings for presentation at professional conferences or in scientific journals.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks that record research methods, procedures, and results.
• Write grants and papers or attend fundraising events to seek research funds.
• Search scientific literature to select and modify methods and procedures most appropriate for genetic research goals.
• Review, approve, or interpret genetic laboratory results.
• Attend clinical and research conferences and read scientific literature to keep abreast of technological advances and genetic research findings.
• Evaluate genetic data by performing appropriate mathematical or statistical calculations and analyses.
• Analyze determinants responsible for specific inherited traits and devise methods for altering or producing new ones.
• Extract deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or perform diagnostic tests involving gel electrophoresis, Southern blot analysis, and polymerase chain reaction analysis.
• Collaborate with biologists and other professionals to conduct appropriate genetic and biochemical analyses.
• Instruct medical students, graduate students, or others in methods or procedures for diagnosing and managing genetic disorders.
• Create or use statistical models for the analysis of genetic data.
• Maintain laboratory safety programs and train personnel in laboratory safety techniques.
• Verify that cytogenetic, molecular genetic, and related equipment and instrumentation are maintained in working condition to ensure the accuracy and quality of experimental results.
• Develop protocols to improve existing genetic techniques or to incorporate new diagnostic procedures.
• Confer with information technology specialists to develop computer applications for genetic data analysis.
• Design sampling plans or coordinate the field collection of tissue specimens.
• Evaluate, diagnose, or treat genetic diseases.
  Conduct family medical studies to evaluate the genetic basis for traits or diseases.
• Design and maintain genetics computer databases.
  Participate in the development of endangered species breeding programs or species survival plans.
• Plan curatorial programs for species collections, including acquisition, distribution, maintenance, or regeneration.

Qualifications: TN Visa as a Geneticist

An individual must meet the following minimum qualifications to qualify for a TN Visa as a geneticist:

1. Canadian or Mexican Citizenship (Permanent Residents do NOT qualify);
2. A job offer from a US employer or an employer with a contract servicing a U.S. client;
3. The job offer includes duties consistent with a Geneticist under the OOH;
4. A Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree in a related field; and
5. Demonstration that there is non-immigrant intent, meaning intent to return to a foreign residence at the end of the temporary employment.

Certification or Licensure 

Certification or licensure is not a requirement to obtain TN visa status as a geneticist.

Conclusion

At Richards and Jurusuk, our legal practice is dedicated to helping our clients understand U.S. Immigration Laws, with many of our attorneys 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 the TN visa application process.

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