The TN visa for scientific technician/technologists is specifically for a Canadian or Mexican citizen to come to the United States to work for and assist a professional who works in one of ten specified scientific fields (see below). There is no bachelor or licenciatura degree requirement. The ten specified fields are: agricultural sciences, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, forestry, geology, geophysics, meteorology, and physics.
Per the TN visa USCIS regulation, The TN visa applicant must possess
- Theoretical knowledge of any of the ten following disciplines: agricultural sciences, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, forestry, geology, geophysics, meteorology, or physics; and
- The ability to solve practical problems in any of those disciplines, or the ability to apply principles of any of those disciplines to basic or applied research.
USCIS guidance states that Canadian or Mexican citizen applicants should have acquired their theoretical knowledge through at least two years of training. Such theoretical knowledge may be documented by a diploma, certificate, transcript, or relevant work experience.
Providing the correct qualifying documentation for the scientific technician/technologists category is critical, so it is recommended that the application be carefully prepared by an experienced TN Visa immigration attorney. If you prefer to do it yourself we have a step by step guide that can assist you.
The applicant for TN Visa must also provide the additional requirements:
- Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship;
- An offer of employment from a prospective U.S. employer;
- Proof of intent to return to Canada or Mexico at the expiration of the temporary TN stay.
About the TN Visa:
TN status may be granted for up to 3 years. TN extensions are available.
You must have a job offer for a temporary full-time or part-time job with a U.S. employer (but not self-employment) for a position on the TN Occupation List.
You may apply at the Port of Entry (Canadian TN), at a U.S. Embassy (Mexican TN), or by filing the I-129 petition with USCIS. Our attorney fee is $1,995 to prepare the petition for you to take to the port of entry or embassy.
If you wish to file the I-129 petition with USCIS the USCIS fee is $460 and premium processing is available for an additional $1,440. Our attorney fee is $1,995 to prepare the petition and file it with USCIS.
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