If you are a social worker with an offer of employment from a US employer, you might qualify to work in the United States under TN visa status. A Social Worker is one of the many professions listed under the USMCA that qualifies for TN visa status. We discuss the Social Worker profession for TN visa status under the USMCA and how to be eligible for it.
What is a Social Worker for TN Visa Purposes?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), social workers are defined as follows for immigration purposes:
Social workers help individuals, groups, and families prevent and cope with problems in their everyday lives. Clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional problems. Social workers typically do the following:
- Identify people and communities in need of help
- Assess clients’ needs, situations, strengths, and support networks to determine their goals
- Help clients adjust to changes and challenges in their lives, such as illness, divorce, or unemployment
- Research, refer, and advocate for community resources, such as food stamps, childcare, and healthcare, to assist and improve a client’s well-being
- Respond to crisis situations such as child abuse and mental health emergencies
- Monitor clients’ situations, and follow up to ensure that they have improved
- Maintain case files and records
- Provide psychotherapy services
Social workers help people cope with challenges in their lives. They help with a wide range of situations, such as adopting a child, being diagnosed with a terminal illness, or preventing and treating substance abuse.
Some social workers get involved at a broad level to help community organizations and policymakers develop or improve social programs, services, and conditions. This is sometimes referred to as macro social work.
Advocacy is an important aspect of social work. Social workers advocate or raise awareness with and on behalf of their clients and constituents. Additionally, they may advocate for the social work occupation on local, state, and national levels.
How Do I Qualify for a TN Visa as a Social Worker?
You might qualify for a TN visa status as a social worker if you meet the following minimum qualifications:
- You are a Canadian or Mexican Citizen (Permanent Residents do NOT qualify);
- You have a job offer from a US employer or are servicing a contract with a US client;
- You will be performing duties consistent with a social worker under the OOH;
- You have a Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree in Social work;
- 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.
Is a License Required to Obtain a TN Visa as a Social Worker?
All states require clinical social workers to be licensed; some states also require nonclinical social workers to have a license or credential. However, licensure is a post-entry requirement for a TN visa and is not a requirement to obtain a TN visa.
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We Can Help!
You may have questions regarding the TN visa requirements for a Social Worker. 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 to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
