Which Jobs Qualify for a TN Visa? The USMCA List
Only jobs on the USMCA professions list qualify for TN. It covers about 60 professions, such as engineer, accountant, computer systems analyst, management consultant, registered nurse, many scientists and university teachers. Your job duties, your degree and the listed profession all need to line up.
Every job is from an employer that filed H1Bs in 2025. See which ones fit your resume.
How the list works
Each profession has a minimum credential, usually a bachelor's or licenciatura degree, sometimes a license. A few accept other credentials plus experience.
USCIS says that when a profession needs a degree, experience cannot replace it. Officers look at what you will actually do, not just the job title.
General professions
- Accountant, architect, economist, engineer, lawyer, librarian
- Computer systems analyst
- Management consultant
- Mathematician (including statistician and actuary)
- Graphic designer, industrial designer, interior designer
- Hotel manager, land surveyor, landscape architect, urban planner
- Forester, sylviculturist, range manager
- Research assistant, scientific technician/technologist
- Social worker, technical publications writer, vocational counselor
- Disaster relief insurance claims adjuster
| Employer | H-1B filings | Transfers | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.Com Services LLC | 14,047 | 2,382 | $155k |
| Cognizant Technology Solutions US CorpGC frozen | 10,209 | 872 | $110k |
| Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 9,808 | 269 | $143k |
| Google LLC | 7,899 | 844 | $186k |
| Microsoft CorporationGC frozen | 7,840 | 879 | $173k |
| Tata Consultancy Services LimitedGC frozen | 7,287 | 353 | $86k |
Medical, science and teaching
Medical and allied professions include dentist, dietitian, nutritionist, medical technologist, occupational therapist, pharmacist, physical therapist, psychologist, recreational therapist, registered nurse, veterinarian and physician, but physicians only for teaching or research.
Scientists include biologist, biochemist, chemist, epidemiologist, geneticist, geologist, physicist, pharmacologist, astronomer, meteorologist and several agricultural fields. College, seminary and university teachers are also on the list.
Engineers and the software question
An engineer needs a bachelor's or licenciatura degree, or a state or provincial license. Since June 2025, USCIS guidance says the degree must be in the related engineering field.
For tech jobs, USCIS says an engineer may not fill computer-related jobs unless they have credentials as a computer or software engineer. A software engineer with a computer or software engineering degree fits. A mechanical engineer moving into software, or a math graduate, is a harder case.
Computer systems analyst is the other common route. It needs a degree, or a post-secondary diploma plus three years of experience. USCIS says systems analysts may do some programming, but the category does not include programmers. A role that is mostly coding is risky under this title.
Management consultants and nurses
You need a bachelor's or licenciatura degree, or five years of experience as a management consultant. USCIS notes consultants are usually independent contractors or employees of consulting firms.
The work should be advising on a defined problem. A long-term in-house manager role labeled as consulting tends to draw questions.
Registered nurses need a state or provincial license or a licenciatura degree. To be admitted, USCIS also expects a health care worker certificate from TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) or an equivalent body, and the state license where you will work. See nurse and doctor visa options.
Roles that are not on the list
Human resources, project management, sales and general business roles are not listed. USCIS also says the economist category does not cover financial analysts, market research analysts or marketing specialists.
Scientific technicians must work in direct support of a supervising professional, and patient care does not qualify. If your job does not fit, look at the E-3 if you are Australian, or an H-1B through H1B sponsors.
Why TN applications get denied
- The job title is on the list but the duties are not.
- The degree is in a different field from the profession.
- The employer letter is vague about duties, pay or length of the job.
- The role looks like self-employment or has no clear end date.
- Missing credentials evaluation or license.
Not legal advice
This is general information as of October 21, 2026, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm your situation with an immigration attorney.
Questions
Can a software engineer get a TN?
Yes, under engineer if you have a computer or software engineering degree, or sometimes as a computer systems analyst. USCIS says the analyst category does not cover programmers.
Can a management consultant get a TN?
Yes, with a bachelor's degree or five years of management consulting experience, in a role that is genuinely advisory.
Can registered nurses work on TN?
Yes. You need a license or licenciatura degree, a health care worker certificate such as TruMerit's, and the license for the state where you will work.
Does HR qualify for TN?
No. Human resources is not a USMCA profession. Social worker is on the list, but the duties must match that profession.
Can I get a TN without a degree?
Only in a few professions, such as computer systems analyst, management consultant or some designers, which accept other credentials plus experience. Most listed professions need a degree.
Sources
- 8 CFR 214.6: Citizens of Canada or Mexico seeking TN status
- USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Part P, Chapter 6: Requirements for Specific Occupations
- USCIS Policy Alert PA-2025-05: USMCA Professionals (June 4, 2025)
- Ogletree: USCIS Issues Major Update to TN Visa Policy Manual (July 2025)
- USCIS: TN USMCA Professionals
