If you’re a Canadian or Mexican professional looking to work in the United States, the TN visa could be your fastest path to employment. This visa allows qualified individuals to work for U.S. employers in specific, pre-approved occupations, without the need for labor certification through the Department of Labor.
The TN visa falls under the nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) category, a special classification available only to citizens of Canada and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Best of all, your U.S. employer can hire you simply by offering you a job that falls within the approved TN visa professions list—no complex sponsorship or green card filing required.
However, there’s a key requirement: your job offer must be in a profession listed on the official TN visa job list. Not all careers are eligible, so understanding the categories and qualifications is essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full TN visa professions list for 2025, break down the required qualifications, and answer common questions so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
List of TN Visa Categories
To qualify for a TN visa, your job must fall under one of the officially approved TN visa occupations. These professions are outlined in the USMCA agreement and are grouped into specific categories based on industry and field.
Below are the main TN visa job categories, each containing a set of eligible professions:
- Business & Finance
- Engineering & Technology
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Education & Social Sciences
- Legal, Architecture & Design
- Science & Research
- Special Cases
In the following sections, we’ll break down each group in detail, including the job titles and minimum qualifications required.
Full TN Visa Professions List for 2025
Business & Finance
| Profession | Minimum Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Accountant | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Economist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Management Consultant | Baccalaureate/Licenciatura or 5 years’ experience |
| Hotel Manager | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura in Hotel Management |
| Industrial Designer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Engineering & Technology
| Profession | Minimum Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Engineer (All Disciplines) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Technical Publications Writer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Graphic Designer | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura in Hotel Management |
| Scientific Technician/Technologist | Theoretical knowledge + supporting role |
Healthcare & Life Sciences
| Profession | Minimum Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Dentist | DDS, DMD, or Licenciatura Degree |
| Dietitian | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Medical Laboratory Technologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Pharmacist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Physician (teaching/research only) | M.D. or M.D.C.M. + license |
| Physiotherapist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Psychologist | Provincial/state license |
| Recreational Therapist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Registered Nurse | Provincial/state license |
| Veterinarian | D.V.M. or Licenciatura Degree |
| Occupational Therapist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Nutritionist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Respiratory Therapist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Social Worker | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Education & Social Sciences
| Profession | Minimum Qualifications |
|---|---|
| College/University Teacher | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Librarian | M.L.S. or Baccalaureate + 5 years’ experience |
| Vocational Counselor | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Urban Planner | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Sociologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Legal, Architecture & Design
| Profession | Minimum Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Architect | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Lawyer (Attorney, Notary in Quebec) | LLB, JD, LLL, BCL, Licenciatura Degree |
| Land Surveyor | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Landscape Architect | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Interior Designer | Baccalaureate or diploma + 3 years’ experience |
Science & Research
| Profession | Minimum Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Biologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Chemist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Geologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Mathematician (including Statistician) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Meteorologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Physicist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Zoologist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Research Assistant (Post-Secondary) | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
| Soil Scientist | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
Special Cases
| Profession | Minimum Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree + 3 years in disaster work |
| Forestry Professional | Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree |
TN Visa Requirements in 2025
Now that we’ve covered the list of TN visa categories, let’s quickly break down the TN visa requirements you must meet to apply successfully.
The TN visa is available only to eligible citizens of Canada and Mexico working in approved job categories listed in the official TN visa job list.
There are two types of TN visas:
- TN-1 Visa – for Canadian citizens. Canadians can apply directly at a U.S. port of entry (land border or pre-flight inspection) without first obtaining a visa stamp.
- TN-2 Visa – for Mexican citizens. Mexicans must first apply for and receive a TN visa stamp at a U.S. consulate or embassy before traveling to the U.S.
To qualify for a TN visa, you must meet the following five key requirements:
- You must be a citizen of either Canada or Mexico
– Permanent residents or dual nationals are not eligible unless they hold Canadian or Mexican citizenship. - You must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer
– Freelance work or self-employment is not allowed under the TN visa. - Your U.S. job must be on the list of TN visa professions
– The job offer must fall under one of the eligible occupations listed in the TN visa professions list. - You must meet the educational or professional qualifications required for that job
– Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree or relevant licensure/certification. Some allow equivalent experience. - You must be coming to the U.S. for a temporary work assignment (nonimmigrant intent)
– TN visa applicants must intend to return to their home country after the job ends. This is not a path to permanent residency by itself.
Conclusion
The TN visa occupation list offers one of the most accessible pathways for Canadian and Mexican professionals to legally work in the United States, but only if your job offer matches one of the approved TN visa professions.
If you’re unsure whether your role fits under the eligible categories or how your qualifications align with the visa criteria, it’s critical to speak with a knowledgeable TN visa immigration attorney. Missteps or misunderstandings can lead to delays, or worse, denials.
That’s why we recommend visiting ImmigrationQuestion.com, where experienced attorneys can review your case and answer your questions within hours. Many even offer free consultations for qualifying applicants.
In today’s complex immigration environment, clarity is your best ally, and the right legal guidance can make all the difference in protecting your status and securing your next job in the U.S.
Common Questions About the TN Visa Job List
1. What jobs qualify for a TN visa?
Only those listed in the official TN visa list of professions qualify. Your job offer must match the job title exactly, and you must meet the stated qualifications.
2. Is software developer on the TN visa list?
No. “Software Developer” or “Software Engineer” is not on the list. However, Computer Systems Analyst is. If your job duties closely align, you may qualify under that title.
3. Can I qualify without a degree?
Very rarely. Most TN occupations require at least a bachelor’s degree. Some (like Management Consultant or Scientific Technician) allow equivalent experience, but it must be well documented.
4. Can TN visa holders work remotely or freelance?
No. You must work for a U.S. employer onsite. Freelancing and remote work do not meet TN visa requirements.
