There are a total of 63 listed professions under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly known as NAFTA. The profession of an Accountant is one of the professions listed under the USMCA that qualifies for TN Visa status to work in the United States. We discuss the profession of an Accountant for TN Visa status under the USMCA and how to qualify here.
What is an Accountant for TN Visa purposes?
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), Accountants fall under the professions of Accountants and Auditors. These professions as are defined follows for immigration purposes:
Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records, identify potential areas of opportunity and risk, and provide solutions for businesses and individuals. They ensure that financial records are accurate, that financial and data risks are evaluated, and that taxes are paid properly. They also assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently. Accountants and auditors typically do the following:
- Examine financial statements to ensure that they are accurate and comply with laws and regulations
- Compute taxes owed, prepare tax returns, and ensure that taxes are paid properly and on time
- Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency and use of accepted accounting procedures and identify potential risks for fraud
- Organize, analyze, and maintain financial records
- Assess financial operations, identify risks and challenges, and make best-practices recommendations to management
- Suggest ways to reduce costs, enhance revenues, and improve profits
Accountants and auditors may use technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics process automation, to increase their productivity. Automating some routine tasks makes these workers more efficient by allowing them to focus on analysis and other high-level responsibilities. In addition to examining and preparing financial documents, accountants and auditors must explain their findings. This includes preparing written reports and meeting face-to-face with organization managers and individual clients. Many accountants and auditors specialize, depending on their employer. Some work for organizations that specialize in assurance services (improving the quality or context of information for decision makers) or risk management (determining the probability of a misstatement on financial documents). Other organizations specialize in specific industries, such as finance, insurance, or healthcare.
How do I qualify for TN Visa status as an Accountant?
You might qualify for TN Visa status as an accountant 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 an Accountant or Auditor under the OOH;
- You have a Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; OR C.P.A, C.A., C.G.A, or C.M.A.; and
- You can demonstrate that you have non-immigrant intent, in other words, the intent to return to your foreign residence at the end of your temporary employment.
Is a license required to obtain TN Visa status as an Accountant?
Any accountant who files a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is required to be a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Other accountants choose to become CPAs to enhance their job prospects or to gain clients. However, licensure is a post-entry requirement for TN visa status and is not a requirement to obtain TN visa status.
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The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik Immigration Law have more than 30+ years of TN Visa experience helping people to live and work in the United States. Contact us today for an assessment of your qualifications for TN Visa status as an accountant.