STEP 1: Hiring Department provides an offer letter which lists the salary, complete description of job duties, length of stay and requirements for degree or licenses. It is essential that the job title mirror one on the list of accepted professional occupations. Registered Nurse is listed under the Medical/Allied Professional group and is cited in appendix 1603.D.1 of the NAFTA Agreement.

STEP 2: To enter the U.S. in TN status, the Canadian citizen applies at a port of entry with the following:

1. Evidence of Canadian citizenship
2. Documentation of professional qualifications, (diplomas, degrees, transcripts). These must show that the educational requirements for the above professional occupations have been met.
3. Health Care Worker Certificate (VisaScreenŽ)
4. Letter or contract from hiring department that includes: a description of the professional-level activity in which the visitor will be engaged; a description of the nature of the job duties that the visitor will be performing; the anticipated length of stay; and the salary (see samples)
5. $50 fee.
6. The visitor must be otherwise admissible under U.S. immigration law.
    

STEP 3: Visitor enters the US and reports to the ISSO for completion of the I-9 Form. Visitor must bring passport and I-94 card.

Sample TN Letters

The letter must include a professional title that clearly relates to one of the occupations on the TN list of professional occupations. For this reason, your organizations title alone may not be sufficient. If the title is not descriptive, please also include a working title in the letter, as well as a description of the nature of the job duties the applicant will be performing, the anticipated length of stay, and the arrangements for remuneration):

SAMPLE OFFER LETTER:

To Whom It May Concern (Dear U.S. Border Official):

This letter is to certify that hospital XYZ is offering the position of Registered Nurse to Mary Jane. The appointment will be from June 1, 2004 to June 1, 2005, remunerated at a salary of $XXXX.

Mary Jane received her Nursing Degree from ___________ and possesses the necessary professional license to practice as a Registered Nurse.

The duties of her job will include providing direct patient care, observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress in patients; assist physicians during surgeries, treatments, and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. Will also develop and manage nursing care plans, instruct patients and their families in proper care, and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health.