TN Spotlight: Seminary Teachers
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 the regulations, there are 63 professional occupations under which an individual may qualify. One such occupation is a Seminary Teacher.
How to Qualify for TN Status as a Seminary Teacher
To qualify for TN visa status as a Seminary Teacher, an individual must possess one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree; or
- Licenciatura degree.
Typical Seminary Teacher Job Duties
Seminary Teachers prepare nuns, monks, ministers, pastors, priests and other clergy for their careers in religion. They teach courses in philosophy, religion, and theology. Typical job duties include:
- Teaching students the doctrines and principals of philosophy, religion, and theology
- Working with students to improve their knowledge or career skills
- Developing an instructional plan (known as a course outline or syllabus) for the course(s) they teach and ensuring that it meets Seminary standards
- Planning lessons and assignments
- Assessing students’ progress by grading assignments, papers, exams, and other work
- Advising students about how to achieve their goals
- Staying informed about changes and innovations in the field of religion
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 his or her 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 Seminary Teacher and want to expand your career to the United States, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys today!
