How to Qualify for TN Visa as a Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. Registered nurses typically do the following:

• Assess patients’ conditions
• Record patients’ medical histories and symptoms
• Observe patients and record the observations
• Administer patients’ medicines and treatments
• Set up plans for patients’ care or contribute information to existing plans
• Consult and collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals
• Operate and monitor medical equipment
• Help perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results
• Teach patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries
• Explain what to do at home after treatment

Most registered nurses work as part of a team with physicians and other healthcare specialists. Some registered nurses oversee licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides. Registered nurses’ duties and titles often depend on where they work and the patients they work with. For example, an oncology nurse works with cancer patients and a geriatric nurse works with elderly patients. Some registered nurses combine one or more areas of practice. For example, a pediatric oncology nurse works with children and teens who have cancer.

How Do I Qualify for TN Visa Status as a Registered Nurse?

You might qualify for TN visa status as a registered nurse if you meet the following minimum qualifications:

1. You are a Canadian or Mexican Citizen (Permanent Residents do NOT qualify);
2. You have a job offer from a US employer or are servicing a contract with a US client;
3. You will be performing duties consistent with a Registered Nurse under the OOH;
4. You have a State/Provincial License or Licenciatura Degree;
5. You have obtained a VisaScreen (Required even if you obtained your education in the United States);
6. 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.

I Meet the Minimum Qualifications. What Else Do I Need to Consider?

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications under the USMCA, you should also consider:

• Who should you include? Do you have a spouse and children accompanying you? If so, what is required, and when should they apply for TD status?
• What to include? Including all the required supporting documents with your TN visa application is important. Does this mean originals or copies? Do you need a resume? Do you need experience letters? These are all important factors that can impact your TN visa application.
• When to apply?  Timing is an important factor. Will you file in person, by mail, or at a US Consulate? You need to calculate processing times. If you are applying at a US port of entry, you may need to schedule an appointment beforehand.
• Where to apply? Will you apply at a US port of entry, US consulate, or by mail with USCIS? Which port of entry? Which US consulate? You need to consider where you will be applying and its impact on your TN visa application.
• Why the TN Visa? Are you coming for a short-term or long-term engagement? Does this position have the potential for permanent employment? Is the TN visa the proper visa for your long-term US immigration goals?

Consultation

At Richards and Jurusik, our legal practice is devoted to U.S. Immigration Laws, 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.