How to qualify for TN Visa as an Industrial Designer

If you work in industrial design, you may be eligible to work in the United States under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) with TN Visa status. Industrial designer is one of the professions listed under the USMCA that qualifies for TN Visa status. In this post, we discuss the profession of industrial design and the qualifications needed to obtain TN Visa status under the USMCA.

What is an industrial designer for TN Visa purposes?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), the profession of an industrial designer is outlined as follows:

Industrial designers develop the concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys. They combine art, business, and engineering to make products that people use every day. Industrial designers consider the function, aesthetics, production costs, and usability of products when developing new product concepts. Industrial designers typically do the following:

• Consult with clients to determine requirements for designs
• Research the various ways a particular product might be used, and who will use it
• Sketch ideas or create renderings, which are images on paper or on a computer that provide a visual of design ideas
• Use computer software to develop virtual models of different designs
• Create physical prototypes of their designs
• Examine materials and manufacturing requirements to determine production costs
• Work with other specialists, such as mechanical engineers and manufacturers, to evaluate whether their design concepts will fill needs at a reasonable cost
• Evaluate product safety, appearance, and function to determine if a design is practical
• Present designs and demonstrate prototypes to clients for approval

Some industrial designers focus on a particular product category. For example, they may design medical equipment or work on consumer electronics products, such as computers and smart phones. Other designers develop ideas for products such as new bicycles, furniture, housewares, and snowboards. Other designers, sometimes called user interface designers or interaction designers, focus on the usability of a product, such as an electronic device, and ensure that the product is both simple and enjoyable to use.

How do I qualify for TN Visa status as an industrial designer?

You might qualify for TN Visa status as an industrial designer if you meet the following minimum qualifications:

1.  Citizenship: You are a Canadian or Mexican Citizen (Permanent Residents do NOT qualify);
2. Employment Offer: You have a job offer from a US employer or are servicing a contract with a US client;
3. Duty Alignment: You will be performing duties consistent with an industrial designer under the OOH;
4. Educational and Experience: You have a Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree in a closely related field, OR post-secondary diploma or post-secondary certificate, and three years of experience.
5. Non-Immigrant Intent: 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.

Conclusion

If you are an industrial designer and interested in working in the United States, the TN Visa under the USMCA offers a viable pathway. As outlined, industrial designers play a crucial role in shaping the products we use daily by integrating art, engineering, and business considerations. To qualify for a TN Visa, you need to be a Canadian or Mexican citizen with a relevant job offer, meet the educational and experience requirements, and demonstrate your intent to return to your home country after your employment ends. By meeting these criteria, you can take advantage of the opportunities available in the U.S. market and contribute your expertise to the field of industrial design.