How to qualify for a TN Visa as a land surveyor

The TN Visa, available under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), offers Canadian and Mexican land surveyors a unique opportunity to work in the United States. If you’re a qualified land surveyor with an employment offer in the U.S., you may be eligible to obtain TN Visa status. Below, we’ll walk through what it means to be a land surveyor for TN Visa purposes, the qualifications required, and how to successfully navigate the application process.

Who is Considered a Land Surveyor for TN Visa Purposes?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), surveyors are responsible for making precise measurements to establish property boundaries and provide crucial data about the Earth’s shape and contour for engineering, construction, and mapping projects. Some of a surveyor’s key duties include:

• Measuring distances and angles between specific points on, above, or below the Earth’s surface.
• Using known reference points to establish the exact location of important features.
• Researching land records, titles, and survey data to verify property boundaries.
• Recording surveying results, verifying data accuracy, and preparing reports and maps.
• Presenting findings to clients and government agencies, as well as testifying in court when necessary.
• Establishing official property boundaries for legal documentation such as deeds and leases.

Land surveyors play a critical role in property transactions and construction projects, ensuring that legal property lines are accurately marked to prevent or resolve disputes. They rely on specialized measuring equipment tailored to different types of surveys.

TN Visa Eligibility Requirements for Land Surveyors

To qualify for a TN Visa as a land surveyor, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Citizenship: You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico (permanent residents are not eligible).
2. Employment Offer: You need a job offer from a U.S. employer or a contract with a U.S. client.
3. Job Duties: Your job duties must align with those outlined for surveyors in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
4. Educational or Professional Qualifications: You must possess either:
   • A Baccalaureate (Bachelor’s) or Licenciatura degree, or
   • A valid state, provincial, or federal license in land surveying.
5. Non-Immigrant Intent: You need to demonstrate non-immigrant intent, meaning you intend to return to your home country once your temporary employment ends.

Is Licensure Required for TN Visa Status?

While all U.S. states and the District of Columbia require surveyors to be licensed in order to certify documents or establish property markings, licensure is generally a post-entry requirement. You can still obtain TN Visa status with a license from your home country, but you’ll need a U.S. state license to certify any legal surveying documents after you arrive.

Consultation

At Richards and Jurusik, we specialize in U.S. Immigration Law with a focus on the USMCA and TN Visas. We’ve guided thousands of professionals in securing TN Visa status to work in the United States. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced TN visa attorneys, who can help streamline your TN visa application and address any questions you may have along the way.