Apply for TN Visa
A TN visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the United States in certain professional occupations, including Registered Nurses (RNs), under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), previously known as NAFTA.
How the TN Visa Works for Registered Nurses:
Eligibility:
Nationality: You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico.
Job Offer: You need a valid job offer from a U.S. employer (Medliant) in the nursing field.
Education and Licensing: You must have a degree in nursing (typically a Bachelor’s or an Associate’s degree) and must be licensed as a Registered Nurse in your home province/state in good standing. The licensing requirement may vary depending on the state in which you will be employed, however, Medliant will assist you with this process.
CGFNS VisaScreen Certificate: A CGFNS VisaScreen Certificate will be required for all Registered Nurses educated outside of the United States.
Pass the NCLEX-RN exam: The NCLEX-RN is universal and can be used regardless if you passed the exam in Canada or another country. If you have passed the NCLEX-RN exam, you will not need to take it again.
Application Process:
Canadian Citizens: You can apply for TN status at a U.S. port of entry (e.g., an airport or land border) or through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You need to present:
Proof of Canadian citizenship (e.g., passport).
A letter provided by Medliant detailing your job offer, including Registered Nurse duties, salary, hours/week, and duration of employment. Medliant will provide you with your TN sponsorship/employment letter via mail as this requires a hand written signature.
Credentials such as your nursing degree, nursing license, and CGFNS VisaScreen Certificate
Proof that the job position is for a Registered Nurse role as defined under the TN visa category.
Mexican Citizens: You must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Once approved, you can enter the U.S. with your TN visa. The required documents are similar to those for Canadian citizens.
Duration of Stay:
TN visas are granted for up to three years at a time. You can apply for extensions or renewals as long as your employment continues and you maintain TN status.
Dependents:
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may accompany you under TD (Trade Dependent) status. They cannot work in the U.S. but can attend school.
Restrictions:
You must work in the exact role specified in your application. Changing employers or job positions at a later time requires a new TN application.
The TN visa is strictly for employment; it does not lead to permanent residency, although some TN visa holders have transitioned to green cards through other processes.
Licensure:
U.S. states have their own nursing licensure requirements. You will need to obtain a state-specific license to practice as a Registered Nurse in that state.
Key Points to Remember:
Ensure that your job offer explicitly meets the TN visa requirements.
Keep all documentation, including proof of education, licensure, and the job offer, well-organized for the application process.
The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa, so it is essential to demonstrate that you do not intend to immigrate permanently to the U.S. while on this visa.
To acquire a SSN for banking purposes, you will first need to be lawfully admitted into the United States on a TN Visa and then take the same documentation needed for your TN Visa to a Social Administration Office.
The TN visa option is relatively straightforward for qualified Registered Nurses from Canada and Mexico, allowing you to work in the U.S. under the TN visa category as a Registered Nurse. The advantage of a TN Visa is that you can enter the United States and begin employment immediately following your approximately 30-minute interview with a USCIS border agent.