Key Things to Know About the TN Visa for Economists

The TN visa is a popular option for Canadian and Mexican citizens seeking to live and work in the United States. While the visa offers many opportunities, certain job categories, like the Economist category, come with specific challenges. Here are three important things to know if you’re considering applying for a TN visa as an Economist.

The TN visa’s Economist category is known to be a difficult category to qualify for. This is particularly the case when the applicant does not have a degree in Economics.  This is largely due to a 2017 directive from the U.S. government instructing immigration officers to narrowly interpret who qualifies as an economist. As a result, applicants for this category must carefully align their job duties and qualifications with the government’s strict definition of what constitutes an economist.

To improve your chances of success, it’s essential to understand how the U.S. government defines an economist. A helpful resource for this is the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). The OOH provides a detailed description of the duties that the government expects an economist to perform. When applying for a TN visa in this category, your job duties should closely match those listed in the OOH to align with the government’s expectations.  The job title does not have to be that of Economist but the job duties must line up to what the Government believes an Economist does.  Also, it may be important to pick out courses that relate to Economics in a transcript if the degree is a related degree but not an Economist degree.

It’s important to note that the U.S. government does not consider certain roles to fall under the Economist category. Specifically, positions such as financial analysts, market research analysts, and marketing specialists are not classified as economist roles. If your job duties are more aligned with these professions, applying under the Economist category could result in a denial of your TN visa application. It’s crucial to ensure that your role strictly adheres to the defined duties of an economist to avoid complications. That beings said, these positions have similar roles and descriptions. This makes it more important work with a firm who understands the nuances.

Applying for a TN visa under the Economist category requires a thorough understanding of the U.S. government’s strict interpretation of the role. By carefully aligning your job duties with those outlined in the Occupational Outlook Handbook and ensuring that your role does not fall under excluded professions, you can enhance your chances of a successful application.

Are you planning to apply for a TN visa as an economist? Scott Legal, P.C. can help you navigate the complex application process and ensure your job duties align with the government’s expectations. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and enhance your chances of success.