Major Changes to TN Visa Rules: What Professionals Need to Know

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released significant updates to its Policy Manual, changing how TN visa applications are assessed under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). These updates impact who qualifies, how applications are submitted, and what documentation is now mandatory for various professional categories.

U.S. Employer Requirement

A key clarification is that TN applicants must now be employed by a U.S. employer or entity. Previously, foreign employers operating in the U.S. were acceptable. Now, there must be a direct employer-employee relationship with a U.S. enterprise—or a signed contract between the foreign employer and the U.S. business.

Self-employment is now explicitly disallowed. If you’re the sole owner or controlling shareholder of the U.S. business employing you, that will no longer qualify under TN rules.

New Documentation Requirements

Applicants must hold the exact degree specified for their profession. Experience can no longer be used to substitute missing academic credentials. For example, if the job requires a bachelor’s degree, having only work experience—even extensive—is not sufficient.

Degrees from outside the U.S., Canada, or Mexico must be evaluated by a credentialing service. For jobs requiring experience, official experience letters from past employers are now a must—resumes alone won’t cut it.

If your profession requires a license in the state where you intend to work, you’ll need to show proof of that licensure, unless your job duties fall under limited exceptions (e.g., advising on foreign law as an attorney).

Impact on Specific TN Job Categories

Scientific Technicians/Technologists

These roles must support a qualified professional in an eligible scientific field. The new guidance strictly excludes any involvement in patient care or medical settings, affecting many healthcare workers previously applying under this category.

Management Consultants

These roles are now even more limited in scope. TN management consultants must now be hired only for non-routine or temporary roles, even if they're on payroll. Also, consultants must have both a relevant degree and at least five years of related professional experience.

Computer Systems Analysts

CSAs remain eligible with either a bachelor’s degree or a diploma plus three years of experience. However, programmers are no longer covered under this category—though analysts may still do limited programming in support of their primary analysis duties.

Hotel Managers

Only applicants with a degree or diploma specifically in hotel or restaurant management, plus three years of relevant experience, will qualify. Broader hospitality degrees may not be accepted anymore.

Economists

Job title alone is no longer enough. The duties must be those of a true economist. Financial analysts, market research analysts, and marketing specialists are now clearly excluded from this category.

Engineers

Only those with an engineering degree relevant to their role will qualify. Computer-related roles won’t be approved unless the applicant holds credentials as a computer/software engineer within a recognized engineering field.

Other affected professions include Registered Nurses, Medical Technologists, Animal Breeders, Disaster Relief Insurance Adjusters, Foresters, and Physicians working in teaching or research.

Application Changes

Canadian and Mexican citizens can still be admitted or extend their TN status in up to three-year increments, with unlimited renewals—provided the role remains temporary.

Entry procedures have changed:

• Canadians must now apply only at pre-flight inspection sites in Canada—not at any U.S. land border.

• Mexicans must still apply through a U.S. consulate, not at the border.

• Both Canadians and Mexicans can apply to change or extend status from within the U.S. via USCIS (Form I-129 + documentation).

Final Thoughts

While the TN visa program remains a powerful tool for professionals looking to work in the U.S., these new changes mean applications will face more scrutiny, and fewer shortcuts will be accepted.

A critical takeaway: relying solely on templates or generic job letters can result in denials or delays—especially with USCIS now demanding precise documentation, degrees, licenses, and employer relationships.

To avoid the risk of misfiling or missing crucial documentation, we strongly recommend booking a consultation with our team. At SimpleTN, we specialize in TN visa strategies and will guide you through these new rules to build the strongest application possible.