The profession of a Biologist is listed under the USMCA (NAFTA) professions list as a profession that qualifies for a TN visa. If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen with an offer of employment from a U.S. employer as a biologist, you may qualify to work and live in the United States under a TN visa. We discuss the profession of a Biologist for a TN visa under the USMCA here.
What is a Biologist for TN Visa Purposes?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, biologists research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.
Biologists can perform any of the following tasks:
- Prepare technical and research reports, such as environmental impact reports, and communicate the results to individuals in industry, government, or the general public.
- Develop and maintain working relationships with groups, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or interpret research findings.
- Collect and analyze biological data about relationships among organisms and their environments.
- Program and use computers to store, process, and analyze data.
- Supervise biological technicians, technologists, and other scientists.
- Identify, classify, and study the structure, behavior, ecology, physiology, nutrition, and distribution of plant and animal species.
- Communicate research results to state and federal representatives and the public.
- Study the basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, development, anatomy, and function.
- Develop methods and tools for securing representative plant, animal, aquatic, or soil samples.
- Plan and administer biological research programs for government agencies, research firms, medical industries, or manufacturing firms.
- Study aquatic plants and animals and environmental conditions affecting them, such as pollution or radiation.
- Write grant proposals to obtain funding for biological research.
- Research environmental effects of current and potential land and water uses and determine methods to improve environmental conditions.
- Study and manage wild animal populations.
- Measure salinity, acidity, light, oxygen content, and other physical conditions of water to determine their relationship to aquatic life.
- Study reactions of plants, animals, and marine species to parasites.
“Biologist” Includes Plant Pathologists
Under NAFTA and now the USMCA, the term “Biologist” includes the profession of plant pathologist. The role of a biologist can include different subfields depending on the specifics of the job and the qualifications of the individual. A plant pathologist, who specializes in the study of plant diseases and their management, falls under the broader category of biologist. Plant pathology is a subfield of biology that focuses on understanding, diagnosing, and controlling diseases that affect plants.
How Do I Qualify for TN Visa Status as a Biologist?
You might qualify for TN visa status as a biologist if you meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Citizenship: Be a Canadian or Mexican citizen (permanent residents are not eligible).
- Job Offer: Have a job offer from a U.S. employer or provide services to a U.S. client.
- Consistent Duties: Perform duties consistent with a biologist under the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
- Education: Hold a Baccalaureate or Licenciatura degree in biology or a closely related field.
- Non-Immigrant Intent: Demonstrate nonimmigrant intent, meaning the intention to return to your foreign residence upon completing temporary employment.
Conclusion
If you’re a biologist from Canada or Mexico, the TN visa offers a straightforward path to work in the United States. Meeting the essential requirements such as having the appropriate degree, a job offer from a U.S. employer, and an intention to return home after your employment, can qualify you for this visa. This opportunity allows you to bring your expertise to a new setting, advance your career, and make a meaningful impact in the United States.
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If you have any questions regarding TN visa requirements for a biologist, contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for guidance. Our immigration lawyers have decades of experience helping professionals work and live in the United States. Please read some of our 5-star client reviews. Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
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)
