How do I obtain a TN Visa as a Biochemist?

The profession of a Biochemist is listed under the USMCA(NAFTA) professions list as a profession that qualifies for a TN visa. Suppose you are a Canadian or Mexican Citizen with an offer of employment from a US employer as a Biochemist. In that case, you might qualify to work and live in the US under a TN Visa. We discuss the profession of biochemist for a TN Visa under the USMCA here.

What is a Biochemist for TN Visa purposes?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), biochemists fall under the professions of Biochemists and Biophysicists.  The profession of a Biochemist is defined as follows for immigration purposes:

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease. Biochemists and biophysicists typically do the following:

• Plan and conduct complex projects in basic and applied research
• Manage laboratory teams and monitor the quality of their work
• Isolate, analyze, and synthesize proteins, fats, DNA, and other molecules
• Research the effects of substances such as drugs, hormones, and nutrients on tissues and biological processes
• Review literature and the findings of other researchers and attend conferences
• Prepare technical reports, research papers, and recommendations based on their research findings
• Present research findings to scientists, engineers, and other colleagues
• Secure funding and write grant applications

Biochemists and biophysicists use advanced technologies, such as lasers and fluorescent microscopes, to conduct scientific experiments and analyses. They also use x-rays and computer modeling software to determine the three-dimensional structures of proteins and other molecules. Biochemists and biophysicists involved in biotechnology research use chemical enzymes to synthesize recombinant DNA. Biochemists, sometimes called molecular biologists or cellular biologists, may study the molecular mechanisms by which cells feed, divide, and grow. Others study the evolution of plants and animals, to understand how genetic traits are carried through successive generations.

How do I qualify for a TN Visa as a Biochemist?

You might qualify for a TN Visa as a Biochemist if you meet the following minimum qualifications:

1. Citizenship: You are a Canadian or Mexican Citizen (Permanent Residents do NOT qualify);
2. Job Offer: You have a job offer from a US employer or are servicing a contract with a US client;
3. Consistent Duties: You will be performing duties consistent with a Biochemist;
4. Education: You have a Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree in biochemistry or a related field, such as biology, physical science, or engineering, and
5. Non-Immigrant Intent: You can demonstrate that you have non-immigrant intent, that is, the intent to return to your foreign residence at the end of your temporary employment.

Conclusion

For Canadian and Mexican Biochemists, the TN Visa offers a valuable opportunity to work in the U.S. By meeting the key requirements—having the relevant degree, securing a job offer from a U.S. employer, and planning to return to your home country—you can use your expertise in biochemistry and related fields in a new setting. This visa opens doors to exciting research opportunities and career growth in the U.S. If you meet these qualifications, the TN Visa can be your gateway to advancing your career and contributing to groundbreaking scientific discoveries in the United States.