In the vast landscape of global healthcare, borders often pose significant barriers to professionals seeking to expand their horizons. However, nestled within the intricate web of international agreements lies a remarkable opportunity for Canadian nurses: the TN visa.
But what exactly is the TN visa, and how can it transform your nursing career? Let’s delve into this exciting journey.
What Is the TN Visa?
Due to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), there exists a special economic and trade relationship among the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In certain cases, Canadian citizens can seek employment opportunities in the United States through this agreement. This is where the TN visa comes along.
The TN visa is a nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional visa that allows Canadian and Mexican NAFTA professionals temporary entry into the U.S. for business engagements at a professional level.
The requirements needed to gain TN status include:
- Canadian or Mexican citizenship
- A profession that qualifies under the regulations (which includes nurses)
- A job position in the United States requiring a NAFTA professional
- A pre-arranged full-time or part-time job with a U.S. employer
- Qualifications to practice in the said profession
How to Get a TN Visa
For Canadian nurses, there are two main things needed to procure for your TN visa: a U.S. nursing license and a VisaScreen certificate. Epic can help with both of these!
How to Get Your U.S. Nursing License
The first step is passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The NCLEX is the premier licensure exam for nurses in the United States, Canada, and Australia. It uses computerized adaptive testing (CAT) to determine whether a nurse meets the minimum standard of competence.
Once you have passed the NCLEX, the next step is to endorse your license to the state of your intended employment. Since the requirements for licensing can vary depending on the state’s Nursing Board, license endorsement is necessary for an applicant to legally work in their state of employment. Epic will be there to guide you through this process!
How to Get Your VisaScreen Certificate
The Visa Credentials Assessment Service, or more commonly referred to as the VisaScreen, provides a thorough screening process tailored for healthcare professionals aiming to obtain an occupational visa for employment in the United States. Canadian nurses seeking a TN visa are required to complete this screening program by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (the IIRIRA).
Individuals who have successfully completed the VisaScreen® will be granted an official ICHP Certificate, which fulfills the screening criteria mandated by the U.S. federal government. To obtain a VisaScreen certificate, you must prepare the following documents:
- Photocopy of your secondary school diploma or external exam certificate for the highest level of secondary education attained*
- Validations of all licenses/registrations/diplomas**
- NCLEX license
- Complete academic record or transcript to be received directly from each educational institution you have attended***
*If the applicant had completed their secondary education more than 10 years ago, this requirement may be waived.
**The validation authority’s signature must be dated within the last three years.
***These documents must be in English. For translated documents, the translation must be done by the educational institution where it originated.
For applicants who were educated outside of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, Ireland, or the United States, you are also required to pass one of the official English language proficiency examinations listed below:
- Cambridge English (B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency exams)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Michigan English Test (MET)
- Pearson PTE Academic
- Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)
- Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
Applications can be completed online. However, the reviewing and processing of VisaScreen applications can take anywhere from four to six months. Once you have obtained your certificate, it is valid for up to five years.
How Epic International Staffing Can Help You with Your TN Visa Application
At Epic International Staffing, we provide Canadian nurses with many exciting opportunities to find fulfilling work in major metropolitan areas in the United States. We can help expedite the TN visa application process by assisting you in your VisaScreen application and endorsing your NCLEX license to the state of employment.
With our dedicated one-to-one approach, we ensure you get the support you need throughout your employment in the U.S. We also offer our nurses competitive pay, amazing benefits, and matching 401k.
On top of that, we make sure that our nurses feel at home the moment they arrive. That’s why we offer an arrival bonus that our nurses can use for their temporary housing or relocation expenses.
TN Visa FAQs
Is this similar to a travel contract?
No, this is a long-term contract that lasts more than 13 weeks.
Is my Canadian nursing license enough?
As long as you have passed the NCLEX, you are eligible for this opportunity. We will help you endorse your NCLEX license to the state of employment to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Is there opportunity for career growth?
Yes. Since this is a long-term opportunity, you will be treated like permanent staff and be given growth, learning, and advancement opportunities.
Would I need to get a Social Security Number to work in the U.S. under a TN visa?
Yes. Employers typically require candidates to have a Social Security Number. You will also need this if you are planning to rent an apartment in the United States. Processing typically takes a few weeks, however, you can stay in the U.S. while waiting for your SSN.
Can my family/dependents accompany me?
Yes. Your spouse and/or children under the age of 21 may accompany you if they have obtained a TD nonimmigrant status. If they are granted a TD visa, they will not be permitted to work in the U.S. but may be permitted to study. TD status may not be granted for longer than the period granted to you as the principal TN nonimmigrant. While TD visa processing is not one of the services we offer, we are still available to answer your questions and provide you with the necessary resources.
Your Partner in Progress: Epic International Staffing
At Epic, we don’t just facilitate TN visa applications; we sculpt transformative experiences. With our unwavering support, Canadian nurses like you can navigate the intricate visa process with ease. From expediting VisaScreen applications to endorsing your NCLEX license, we streamline the journey to U.S. employment, ensuring a seamless transition into the American healthcare landscape. With Epic International Staffing by your side, the journey promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. Embrace the opportunity; seize the moment!
Start your nursing career in the U.S. with the help of Epic International Staffing. Our dedicated team works with you to address the challenges that come with visa applications and help you reach the US as quickly as possible. Get in touch with us today to learn more about this amazing opportunity for Canadian nurses!