Contents
- A baccalaureate or licenciatura degree in an engineering field, or
- A valid state or provincial engineering license
The degree must be directly related to engineering. USCIS officers may use the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) to confirm if a degree is appropriate for engineering roles.
Eligibility for Computer Engineers
Computer-related jobs do not automatically qualify for TN status under the Engineer category. However, computer or software engineers may be eligible if:
- The applicant has an engineering degree in a recognized engineering field, such as computer engineering
- The job involves duties consistent with traditional engineering as defined in the OOH
This policy was clarified in the Cronin Memo (July 2000), which allowed certain computer-related professionals to apply under the Engineer category when the position and qualifications meet the criteria of a bona fide engineering specialty.
TN Visa Requirements
- You are a citizen of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents do not qualify)
- You have a job offer from a U.S. employer or a contract with a U.S. client
- You will perform duties that match an engineering role listed in the OOH
- You have a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree in computer engineering or a closely related engineering field, or a valid license
- You can demonstrate nonimmigrant intent (intent to return to your home country after the job ends)
Choosing the TN Visa
Next Steps
Citations
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)
