The TN category permits citizens of Canada and Mexico to enter the U.S. to provide prearranged professional services to a U.S. entity. Under current regulations, there are 63 professional occupations under which an individual may qualify. One such occupation is a Pharmacist.
How to Qualify for TN Status as a Pharmacist
To qualify for TN status as a Pharmacist, an individual must possess:
- Bachelor’s Degree;
- Licenciatura Degree; or
- State or Provincial License.
Applicants should note that U.S. employers often require further qualifications, such as an advanced degree from an accredited pharmacy program, additional training in a specialty area, or some other form of certification depending on the position. Determining if an individual qualifies for TN status as a Pharmacist requires a thorough review of the nature of the proposed position in the U.S. and the applicant’s educational background.
Typical Job Duties of a Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They may also conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles. Pharmacists’ job duties typically include:
- Filling prescriptions and verifying instructions from physicians on the proper amounts of medication to give to patients;
- Checking whether prescriptions will interact negatively with other drugs that a patient is taking or any medical conditions the patient has;
- Instructing patients on how and when to take a prescribed medicine and inform them about potential side effects from taking the medicine;
- Giving flu shots and, in most states, other vaccinations;
- Advising patients about general health topics, such as diet, exercise, and managing stress, and on other issues, such as what equipment or supplies would be best to treat a health problem;
- Completing insurance forms and working with insurance companies to ensure that patients get the medicines they need;
- Overseeing the work of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists in training (interns); and
- Teaching other healthcare practitioners about proper medication therapies for patients.
Application Process
For citizens of Canada, applicants can submit a TN petition to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at any land port of entry or airport preclearance location throughout Canada. A decision will be made on the spot, and, if approved, the applicant may begin working in the U.S. the same day.
For citizens of Mexico, applicants need to schedule and attend an in-person interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico. Upon approval, the applicant will be issued a TN visa inside their passport, which can then be used to gain entry to the U.S. in TN status.
Additional Resources
Berardi Immigration Law regularly helps individuals obtain TN status and provides an individualized approach for each client. If you study or work as a Pharmacist and want to expand your career to the United States, be sure to contact Berardi Immigration Law to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today!
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