The TN visa job list contains exactly 63 professional occupations approved under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This comprehensive list of TN visa professions helps Canadian and Mexican professionals determine if their occupation qualifies for TN status. Use the searchable table below to find your profession, verify minimum qualifications, and confirm licensing requirements.
Quick Reference: If your job title matches one of the 63 TN-eligible professions below and you meet the education or licensing requirements, you can apply for TN visa status. Modern job titles (like “Software Engineer”) often map to official USMCA categories (like “Computer Programmer”).
All 63 TN Visa Professions: Searchable Directory
Search Tip: Use your browser’s search function (Ctrl+F on Windows, Cmd+F on Mac) or the table’s built-in filter to quickly locate your profession by keyword.
| Profession | Category | Minimum Qualification | License Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accountant | Business | Bachelor’s in accounting | No (CPA optional) |
| Agriculturist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in agriculture | No |
| Animal Breeder | Scientific | Bachelor’s in animal science | No |
| Animal Scientist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in animal science | No |
| Apiculturist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in entomology/biology | No |
| Architect | Engineering | Bachelor’s in architecture OR state license | Yes (most states) |
| Astronomer | Scientific | Bachelor’s in astronomy | No |
| Biochemist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in biochemistry | No |
| Biologist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in biology | No |
| Chef | Culinary | Diploma in culinary arts + 3 years exp | No |
| Chemist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in chemistry | No |
| College/University Professor | Education | Appropriate credentials for position | No |
| Computer Programmer | IT | Bachelor’s in CS OR diploma + 3 years exp | No |
| Computer Systems Analyst | IT | Bachelor’s in CS OR diploma + 3 years exp | No |
| Dairy Scientist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in dairy science | No |
| Data Processing Manager | IT | Bachelor’s OR diploma + 3 years exp | No |
| Dentist | Healthcare | D.D.S./D.M.D. + state license | Yes |
| Dietitian | Healthcare | Bachelor’s in nutrition OR license | Varies by state |
| Disaster Relief Claims Adjuster | Professional | Bachelor’s + 3 years exp (employer in Canada/Mexico) | No |
| Economist | Social Science | Bachelor’s in economics | No |
| Engineer | Engineering | Bachelor’s in any engineering discipline | No |
| Entomologist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in entomology | No |
| Epidemiologist | Scientific | Master’s in epidemiology/public health | No |
| Forester | Engineering | Bachelor’s in forestry OR state license | Varies by state |
| Geneticist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in genetics | No |
| Geologist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in geology | No |
| Geophysicist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in geophysics | No |
| Graphic Designer | Creative | Bachelor’s OR diploma + 3 years exp | No |
| Hotel Manager | Business | Bachelor’s OR diploma + 3 years exp | No |
| Horticulturist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in horticulture | No |
| Industrial Designer | Creative | Bachelor’s OR diploma + 3 years exp | No |
| Interior Designer | Creative | Bachelor’s OR diploma + 3 years exp | No |
| Land Surveyor | Engineering | Bachelor’s in surveying OR state license | Yes (most states) |
| Landscape Architect | Engineering | Bachelor’s in landscape architecture | Varies by state |
| Lawyer (Attorney) | Legal | J.D./LL.B. + bar admission (any state/province) | Yes |
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal | Legal | Bachelor’s OR diploma + 3 years exp | No |
| Librarian | Education | M.L.S. or B.L.S. degree | No |
| Management Consultant | Business | Bachelor’s OR substantial experience | No |
| Mathematician | Business | Bachelor’s in mathematics | No |
| Medical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare | Bachelor’s OR diploma + 3 years exp | Varies by state |
| Meteorologist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in meteorology | No |
| Nurse (Registered) | Healthcare | State RN license OR Licenciatura in nursing | Yes |
| Nutritionist | Healthcare | Bachelor’s in nutrition | No |
| Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | Bachelor’s in OT + state license | Yes |
| Pharmacist | Healthcare | Bachelor’s in pharmacy + state license | Yes |
| Pharmacologist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in pharmacology | No |
| Physician (Teaching/Research Only) | Healthcare | M.D./D.O. degree (clinical practice NOT eligible) | No |
| Physicist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in physics | No |
| Physical Therapist | Healthcare | Bachelor’s in PT + state license | Yes |
| Plant Breeder | Scientific | Bachelor’s in plant science | No |
| Poultry Scientist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in poultry science | No |
| Psychologist | Healthcare | State license OR Licenciatura degree | Varies by state |
| Range Manager/Conservationist | Engineering | Bachelor’s in range management | No |
| Recreational Therapist | Healthcare | Bachelor’s in recreational therapy | No |
| Research Assistant (Post-Secondary) | Education | Bachelor’s degree | No |
| Scientific Technician/Technologist | Scientific | Diploma + 3 years experience | No |
| Social Worker | Social Science | Bachelor’s in social work OR state license | Varies by state |
| Soil Scientist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in soil science | No |
| Statistician | Social Science | Bachelor’s in statistics/mathematics | No |
| Teacher (K-12 or Post-Secondary) | Education | Bachelor’s degree OR state certification | Yes (K-12 public schools) |
| Technical Publications Writer | Professional | Bachelor’s OR diploma + 3 years exp | No |
| Urban Planner/Geographer | Social Science | Bachelor’s in urban planning/geography | No |
| Veterinarian | Healthcare | D.V.M./D.M.V. OR state license | Yes |
| Vocational Counselor | Education | Bachelor’s in vocational counseling | No |
| Zoologist | Scientific | Bachelor’s in zoology | No |
Modern Job Title Equivalents:
- Software Developer/Engineer → Computer Programmer
- Data Scientist → Statistician or Computer Systems Analyst
- UX Designer → Graphic Designer
- Business Analyst → Management Consultant or Economist
- Nurse Practitioner → Registered Nurse (requires RN license)
Can’t find your profession? Read our complete TN visa guide covering eligibility requirements, application process, costs, and renewals.
TN Visa Profession Categories
The 63 TN-eligible professions fall into 8 major occupational categories. Understanding your professional category helps identify related occupations and alternative TN classification options.
Scientific & Technical (22 professions): Biologist, Chemist, Engineer, Geologist, Physicist, Statistician, Meteorologist, Geneticist, and specialized scientists
Healthcare (14 professions): Registered Nurse, Physical Therapist, Dentist, Pharmacist, Veterinarian, Medical Laboratory Technologist, Occupational Therapist, Recreational Therapist
IT & Technology (3 professions): Computer Programmer, Computer Systems Analyst, Data Processing Manager
Business & Finance (6 professions): Accountant, Management Consultant, Economist, Hotel Manager, Mathematician
Engineering & Architecture (6 professions): Architect, Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineer, Landscape Architect, Land Surveyor, Forester
Education & Social Services (8 professions): Teacher, Professor, Librarian, Social Worker, Vocational Counselor, Research Assistant
Legal & Professional Services (4 professions): Lawyer, Legal Assistant/Paralegal, Disaster Relief Claims Adjuster, Technical Publications Writer
Creative & Design (3 professions): Graphic Designer, Industrial Designer, Interior Designer
TN Visa Qualification Requirements by Category
Education Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree Required: Most TN professions require a bachelor’s degree in a directly related field from an accredited institution. Engineering, scientific, healthcare, and business categories typically mandate four-year degrees.
Diploma + Experience Alternative: Computer programmers, systems analysts, graphic designers, and several other professions accept post-secondary diplomas (2-year programs) combined with 3 years of relevant work experience.
Advanced Degrees: Epidemiologists require a master’s degree in epidemiology or public health. Librarians need M.L.S. or B.L.S. degrees.
Experience Only: Management Consultant is the only TN profession that accepts substantial professional experience as a substitute for formal education—though documentation requirements are stringent.
Licensing Requirements
Always Required:
- Healthcare professions (Dentist, Pharmacist, Veterinarian, RN, PT, OT)
- Legal professions (Attorney requires bar admission)
- Land Surveyor (most states)
- Architect (most states)
Sometimes Required:
- Dietitian, Psychologist, Social Worker (varies by state)
- Forester, Landscape Architect (certain states only)
- Teacher (K-12 public schools require state certification)
Never Required:
- Most scientific professions (Biologist, Chemist, Physicist)
- IT professions (Programmer, Systems Analyst)
- Business professions (Accountant, Economist)
Foreign Credentials
Degrees earned outside the U.S., Canada, or Mexico require credential evaluation from approved agencies:
- World Education Services (WES)
- NACES member agencies
- Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Cost: $150-$500 depending on degree complexity and processing speed.
Does Your Job Qualify for TN Status?
Your position must satisfy three requirements:
- Profession Match: Job title or duties align with one of the 63 USMCA-designated professions
- Minimum Qualification: You possess required education (degree/diploma), experience, or professional license
- Duty Alignment: Daily responsibilities reflect professional-level work appropriate to the TN category
Common Job Title Mismatches
Example 1: Software Engineer vs Computer Programmer
A “Software Engineer” typically qualifies as “Computer Programmer” if duties focus on writing, testing, and maintaining code. If the role emphasizes system architecture, it might fit “Computer Systems Analyst.”
Employer Letter Solution: Your U.S. employer’s letter must explain how the Software Engineer position’s duties align with Computer Programmer requirements under USMCA.
Example 2: Data Scientist
Data Scientists may qualify under:
- Statistician (if work involves statistical modeling and analysis)
- Computer Systems Analyst (if work focuses on data systems and software tools)
- Mathematician (if theoretical mathematics is central)
Example 3: Marketing Manager
“Marketing Manager” doesn’t appear on the TN list. However, if responsibilities include strategic consulting and organizational development, classification as Management Consultant may work—though this requires demonstrating substantial expertise.
TN Visa Professions Without Degree Requirements
While most TN categories require bachelor’s degrees, these professions offer alternative qualification paths:
| Profession | Alternative to Bachelor’s Degree |
|---|---|
| Computer Programmer | Post-secondary diploma + 3 years experience |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Post-secondary diploma + 3 years experience |
| Data Processing Manager | Post-secondary diploma + 3 years experience |
| Graphic Designer | Post-secondary diploma + 3 years experience |
| Industrial Designer | Post-secondary diploma + 3 years experience |
| Interior Designer | Post-secondary diploma + 3 years experience |
| Hotel Manager | Post-secondary diploma + 3 years experience |
| Legal Assistant/Paralegal | Post-secondary diploma + 3 years experience |
| Technical Publications Writer | Post-secondary diploma + 3 years experience |
| Management Consultant | Substantial professional experience (no diploma required) |
| Chef | Culinary diploma + 3 years experience |
Important: “Post-secondary diploma” means formal education beyond high school from a recognized institution—not certificates or online courses.
What If Your Profession Isn’t Listed?
If your occupation doesn’t appear on the TN visa job list, TN status is not available. Consider these alternatives:
- H-1B Visa: Available for any “specialty occupation” requiring a bachelor’s degree (not limited to specific professions)
- L-1 Visa: Intracompany transfers for managers, executives, or specialized knowledge workers
- O-1 Visa: Individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
- E-2 Visa: Treaty investors starting or purchasing U.S. businesses (requires substantial capital investment)
Ambiguous Cases: If your job is 70% eligible profession + 30% non-eligible duties, consult an immigration attorney before applying. Borderline classifications frequently result in denials without proper documentation.
Need Help with TN Profession Eligibility?
Tondini Law specializes in TN visa profession classification for professionals with:
- Non-traditional degree combinations
- Job titles that don’t match official USMCA categories
- Foreign credentials requiring evaluation
- Multiple employers or complex employment arrangements
Our TN Profession Services:
- Eligibility assessment and profession matching
- Employer letter drafting and review
- Credential evaluation coordination
- Port of entry or consular application preparation
- Denial remediation and reapplication strategy
Contact Tondini Law:
📞 (760) 434-7000
📧 info@tondinilaw.com
📍 5050 Avenida Encinas, Suite 300, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Serving Canadian and Mexican professionals nationwide with specialized TN visa expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many professions qualify for TN visa?
Exactly 63 professional occupations are eligible under USMCA. This list hasn’t changed since the treaty’s implementation, though modern job title interpretations continue evolving.
Can I qualify for TN without a degree?
Only Management Consultant can qualify based solely on substantial professional experience. Nine other professions (Computer Programmer, Graphic Designer, etc.) accept post-secondary diplomas + 3 years experience instead of bachelor’s degrees.
What is the NAFTA professional list?
The NAFTA professional list originally contained 63 occupations when NAFTA took effect in 1994. USMCA (implemented 2020) maintained the identical profession list, so “NAFTA professional list” and “TN visa occupation list” are interchangeable.
Do software engineers qualify for TN visa?
Yes, if duties align with “Computer Programmer” or “Computer Systems Analyst” requirements. The employer letter must clearly explain how the Software Engineer position matches one of these official USMCA categories.
Can nurses get TN visas?
Registered Nurses qualify for TN status with either a valid U.S. state RN license OR a “Licenciatura” degree in nursing. Nurse Practitioners also qualify under the Registered Nurse category if they hold RN licensure.
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