Because of the current nursing shortage in the United States, RNs are included as an eligible profession of NAFTA and can work in the United States on a TN Visa. MNR Staffing can assist Canadian nurses obtain a TN Visa and gain entry to work in the United States. If you are a registered nurse interested in working in the U.S., please contact one of our friendly recruiters today.

Below is some general information on the TN Visa and how to obtain it. This information is from the University of Michigan website and not meant to be legal advice or indefinitely up to date. For the latest information on NAFTA and TN Visas, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Eligibility Criteria
The TN visa category is part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and enables Canadian and Mexican citizens to enter the United States to engage in professional business activities on a temporary basis. There is no U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) limit on the number of workers granted TN status each year.

The TN visa category requires that the applicant:

• * Is a citizen of Canada. Landed immigrants or permanent residents do not qualify.
• * Enters the U.S. on a temporary basis.
• * Possesses the minimum qualifications of one of the professions specified in Appendix 1603.D.1 of the NAFTA treaty. The Appendix also stipulates the minimum qualifications for entry into the U.S. in each occupation. The most common minimum requirement is a Baccalaureate degree and licensure, if required for the profession. A foreign national must have licensure before he or she can obtain TN status.
• * Canadian nurses must be licensed by the state of intended employment.

Length of Stay in the U.S.

• * Canadian citizens can be admitted to the United States in TN status in increments of up to three years.
• * There is no cumulative time limit on TN status. Status can be renewed each year indefinitely, provided that the stay remains temporary in nature.
• * Extensions of stay are granted in up to three year increments.
  • o Canadians can apply for an extension of TN status either at a U.S.-Canadian pre-flight or port-of-entry inspection facility or by filing an application for extension of stay with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Nebraska Service Center. Procedures and required documentation are the same as for new entries (port-of-entry) or change of status (USCIS).

How to Apply for a TN Visa
Most Canadians apply for TN status either at a pre-flight or port-of-entry inspection facility while entering the U.S. from Canada. The admission process for Canadian citizens includes:

• * A review of the required documentation by a Department of Homeland Security officer.
• * Acceptance of the filing fee.
• * Issuance of a Form I-94. The Form I-94 should be annotated with the appropriate date and port-of-entry information, the classification in the TN category (TN-1 for Canadians), an expiration date of up to three years from the date of admission, a “multiple-entry” notation and the employer's name.

Documentation Needed
The following documentation is needed to apply for a TN visa at a consulate or at a port-of-entry:

• * Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship, which may include one of the following:
  • o Birth certificate
  • o Passport
  • o Certificate of naturalization
• * Detailed letter from the employer. The letter should:
  • o Certify the Appendix 1603.D.1 profession of the applicant
  • o Describe the job duties
  • o Indicate the anticipated length of stay (not to exceed three years)
  • o Describe the educational qualifications or credentials that demonstrate the applicant's professional level status
  • o Indicate the salary
  • o Confirm that the applicant meets all licensing requirements
• * Evidence that the individual has the required credentials for the job as state in Appendix 1603.D.1. The applicant must present his or her original credentials, including diplomas, transcripts, licenses, certificates or other documentation. If the documents are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certified translation. The original documents will be returned.
• * Filing fee plus current I-94 filing fee.
• * Translation certificate for any documents submitted that are written in a foreign language.

Dependents
Dependents of TN status holders (spouses and children under 21) are admitted in TD (Trade Dependent) status. TD status holders are not authorized to work the U.S., but they may attend academic institutions either part or full-time.