Contents
- 1. Eligibility Requirements
- 2. Direct Support of Supervisory Professional
- 3. Discipline and Experience Nexus
- 4. Nature of the Work
- 5. Required Education or Training
- 6. Summary
1. Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a TN visa as a Scientific Technician or Technologist (ST/T) under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), applicants must:
- Have a theoretical knowledge in one of these fields:
- Agricultural sciences
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Forestry
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Meteorology
- Physics
- Be able to:
- Solve practical problems in one of the above disciplines, or
- Apply those principles in basic or applied research
2. Direct Support of Supervisory Professional
Your role must directly support a qualified professional supervisor in one of the eligible science fields. This supervisor must:
- Be engaged in professional-level work within a listed discipline
- Supervise, coordinate, and review your work directly
Important: If the supervisor is a medical doctor providing patient care, your role will generally not qualify for TN status.
Example: A radiologic technologist assisting a physician with clinical duties does not qualify. However, someone supporting a physician conducting chemistry research may qualify, because the support is in a qualifying field and not patient care.
3. Discipline and Experience Nexus
As an ST/T applicant, you do not need to have the same discipline as the supervisory professional. However, there must be a clear, relevant connection (or “nexus”) between:
- Your training or experience, and
- The duties you will perform to support the supervisory professional
Example: If you are trained in astronomy but want to support a meteorologist, you must show that your experience is relevant to meteorology. If not, you likely won’t qualify. However, if supporting an astronomer, your background in astronomy may make you eligible.
Clarification: While USCIS has previously approved some ST/T roles supporting physicians who provided patient care, there has not been a formal or consistent policy on this. This updated guidance aims to align decisions by USCIS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and does not represent a change in law or policy.
4. Nature of the Work
USCIS reviews your actual job duties, not just your title. You must perform tasks typical of scientific technicians or technologists.
Officers will consider:
- Your main responsibilities
- Workplace setting
- Training and experience
Disqualifying Example: Work that belongs to skilled trades (like welding or electrical work) is not accepted under this visa, even if tied to a technical industry.
Officers may consult reliable resources like:
5. Required Education or Training
To qualify, applicants typically need at least 2 years of post-secondary training in a relevant field. Proof can include:
- Diplomas or certificates
- Documented work experience in a scientific field
Note: A bachelor’s degree is not required. If no degree is available, USCIS will consider the total record, including work history, skills, and references.
6. Summary
The Scientific Technician/Technologist TN visa is a great option for qualified professionals under USMCA. To improve your success:
- Clearly define your support duties
- Show a connection between your background and the supervisor’s work
- Ensure the supervisor is qualified in an approved scientific field
Need help? Consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney to prepare your TN visa application.
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