RN

Pursuing a healthcare career in the United States as a foreign professional can be both exciting and challenging. For many nurse practitioners (NPs) from Canada and Mexico, the TN Visa offers a unique opportunity to practice their profession and achieve their career goals in the U.S.

The Client’s Journey: From Canada to the U.S. Healthcare System Initially as a Registered Nurse, now as a Nurse Practitioner

Our client has been a skilled Registered Nurse and has held number TN visas over the years. With a wealth of clinical experience, she has contributed her skills to a leading hospital in the U.S. However, despite her qualifications, the immigration process can be daunting to navigate.

During our first encounter with the client, we recommended the TN Visa, a non-immigrant visa available to qualified professionals from Canada and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This visa allows professionals in specified fields, including Registered Nurses, to work in the U.S. temporarily. Our client took her career to the next level by continuing her education and recently becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Our team guided her through each step of the process—from gathering the necessary documentation to preparing for her border appointment—to apply for a TN visa under the Registered Nurse designation, for her role as a Nurse Practitioner. Today, our client is thrilled to continue to serve the community at a respected healthcare institution in the U.S., providing care and expertise to countless patients.

Understanding the TN Visa for Nurse Practitioners

The TN Visa is a fantastic pathway for healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, to work in the U.S. Here’s an overview of the requirements and processing steps for obtaining a TN Visa as a nurse practitioner:

TN Visa Requirements for Registered Nurses (Nurse Practitioners)

Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of Canada or Mexico and have a job offer from a U.S. employer in one of the qualifying professions under the USMCA agreement. A Nurse Practitioner qualifies under the TN designation of Registered Nurse.

Educational Requirements: A Registered Nurse must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field. A Nurse Practitioner must also hold an advanced degree.

Licensing: NPs must possess the required licensure to practice in the United States. Typically, this means holding a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license and meeting any state-specific requirements for nurse practitioners.

VisaScreen®: This is administered by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), is a crucial credentialing process that evaluates the education, English language proficiency, and licensure of foreign healthcare professionals.

Job Offer: A formal job offer from a U.S. employer is necessary. The offer should specify the role, duties, and that the position is a qualifying profession under the TN Visa.

Proof of Qualifications: Supporting documents such as diplomas, transcripts, and proof of licensing must be submitted to demonstrate the applicant’s qualifications.

TN Visa Processing for Registered Nurses (Nurse Practitioners)

Application Submission

Canadian citizens can apply for a TN Visa at a U.S. port of entry, such as an airport or land border crossing. Depending on the land border crossing, a scheduled appointment may be needed. Mexican citizens must first apply for a TN Visa at a U.S. consulate before entering the U.S.

Documentation: Submit proof of citizenship, educational qualifications, licensure, VisaScreen®, and the employer’s job offer letter. Additional documentation may be needed depending on the specific job and state requirements.

    • Additional documentation we included in support of the TN application was the Nurse Practitioner’s Supervising Physician’s State Licensure.

Visa Interview: For Mexican citizens, an interview at a U.S. consulate is required. During the interview, the applicant must demonstrate their qualifications, and the legitimacy of the job offer.

Approval and Entry: Once the TN Visa is approved, the applicant can enter the U.S. and begin working immediately. The TN Visa is typically granted for up to three years, with the option to extend.

Overcoming Challenges

Over the past decade, CBP has increased scrutiny of Nurse Practitioners applying for TN visas due to their advanced level of responsibility and autonomy. Despite this, we have consistently secured TN visa approvals for our clients by effectively demonstrating that their roles are under the direct supervision of a licensed Physician. With the support of our legal team, she was able to overcome these hurdles and successfully obtained her TN Visa. Today, she is not only advancing her career but also making a meaningful impact on her patients’ lives in the U.S.

Conclusion

The TN Visa is a valuable option for nurse practitioners seeking to practice in the United States. With the right preparation and support, professionals like our client can successfully navigate the process and achieve their career aspirations. If you are a Nurse Practitioner from Canada or Mexico and are considering working in the U.S., reach out to our team to learn more about how we can assist you.