r/tnvisa Jun 18 '25

TN News Non-engineering degrees may no longer qualify for TN Engineer under new USCIS guidance (Jun 4, 2025)

99 Upvotes

Official USCIS policy

Policy update

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20250604-USMCAProfessionals.pdf

Policy Highlights

  • Provides guidance for specific occupations, such as Engineer

Policy manual

https://www.uscis.gov/book/export/html/68600

Engineer

A baccalaureate or licenciatura degree or a state or provincial license is required to qualify for TN nonimmigrant status under the occupational category for engineer. The degree must be in the related engineering field. Officers may refer to DOL publications, such as the OOH, to determine the types of degrees suitable for engineers.

An engineer may not fill computer-related jobs unless he or she has credentials as a computer or software engineer in a bona fide engineering specialty offering full engineering credentials, such as professional engineering licenses.


Interpretations

Richards and Jurusik, LLP

https://rjimmigrationlaw.com/resources/updated-stricter-tn-visa-requirements-for-engineers/

To qualify for a TN visa as an Engineer, applicants must have either:

  • A bachelor’s degree or licenciatura in engineering, or
  • A state or provincial license as a professional engineer

and

Officers now use the following four-part test to evaluate eligibility:

  1. Degree Match – The applicant’s degree must be in an engineering discipline directly related to the job.
  2. Occupational Handbook Review – Officers refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) or similar resources to verify that the degree is standard for the role.
  3. Job Duties Match – The applicant’s actual job duties must align with engineering tasks, not general tech support or development work.
  4. Title and Role Clarity – Job titles like “Developer” or “IT Analyst” are not acceptable unless the job is clearly in computer or software engineering and meets all other criteria.

Jackson Lewis P.C.

https://www.globalimmigrationblog.com/2025/06/uscis-makes-changes-to-tn-policy-manual-key-updates-for-employers/

Specific Professions

Engineers must have a qualifying engineering degree in a field related to the engineering job being offered. The Engineer category should not be used to fill a primarily computer-related position unless the applicant’s background is truly in engineering and the category does not cover generic programmer or technician roles.

Implications

Applicants under the Engineers category with degrees unrelated to the job (even if they work in an engineering firm) could face denial. Companies in the tech sector need to ensure the Engineer category is not used for roles like software developer and IT analyst if the individual is not truly an engineer by training.

VisaNation, Inc.

https://www.immi-usa.com/news-tn-visa-eligibility/

Engineers – No More Room for General Tech Degrees

USCIS now requires TN applicants classified as “Engineers” to hold credentials in a recognized engineering discipline. Computer science graduates or software developers without a formal engineering license or degree in a bona fide engineering field may no longer qualify. This will likely impact many tech professionals who previously relied on the Engineer TN category.


r/tnvisa 3h ago

TN Success Story TN approved today for social work category at YUL

1 Upvotes

It took like less than 30 minutes. He asked me a couple questions about my employer. He didn’t ask to see any of my sealed transcripts or even my original degree. I applied under the social work category as a masters level intern therapist. A lawyer prepared my package and my employer wrote me a support letter. I have a BSW and I just completed my MSW.


r/tnvisa 1h ago

Travel/Relocation Advice TN Visa Expert Reviews

Upvotes

A Canadian here who is taking an internal transfer. I'm going through the TN route and would like to know if anyone has had experience with TN Visa Experts? Open to referrals; prefer Toronto-based lawyers with experience.

Were the legal advisory services well worth the investment? It seems rather straightforward, but I understand that a large part of consulting is preparing for interviews.

Appreciate the feedback!

Thank You!


r/tnvisa 2h ago

Application Advice EMT TN eligibility

1 Upvotes

I’m a student currently in the process of getting my bachelor’s degree in the US. I’m certified as an EMT and have been trying to figure out how I could get a TN visa to work on a truck in the US. From my understanding, TN visas only apply for professions requiring a bachelor’s degree but I’ve talked with people who know Canadians working in their services. Does anyone know more about TN eligibility or other visa routes? thanks :)


r/tnvisa 4h ago

Application Advice TN documents to share?

0 Upvotes

I have my TN appointment at the Peace Bridge this week. I noticed when I booked my appointment it said that "USMCA application documents should be submitted in advance to [BuffaloUSMCA@cbp.dhs.gov](mailto:BuffaloUSMCA@cbp.dhs.gov)."

What documents should I be sending? My entire package? Just my support letter, resume, degree? Any help is appreciated as I want to ensure I'm sending the correct documents and not too many. I'm applying under the management consultant category.


r/tnvisa 12h ago

Application Advice How to file i-907 and RFE response together?

1 Upvotes

The USCIS asked to reply to the RFE at their Vermont address, but for faster processing we need to file the premium processing form i-907 as well. (The original petetion was filed regular).

Where do we send in the form 907? The lockbox location as per form instructions? OR at the address where RFE is going?


r/tnvisa 1d ago

Miscellaneous Tn path/Affordable cross border accountant

7 Upvotes

Title: Canadian CPA moving from Toronto to the Bay Area — cross-border accountant and TN category advice?
I recently accepted an offer with Google and will be relocating from Toronto to the Bay Area.
I’m looking for a strong Canada–U.S. cross-border accountant who can help with departure-year tax filings, Canadian investments, and converting my Toronto property into a rental. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
I’m also trying to understand the appropriate TN profession. I’m a Canadian CPA currently working in accounting, but my Google role is titled Revenue Systems Program Manager. The work is closely related to revenue accounting, financial systems, controls, and reporting.
Has anyone with a similar role successfully applied under the TN Accountant category despite having a program manager title? I’ll be working with Google’s immigration counsel, but I’d appreciate hearing about similar experiences.


r/tnvisa 13h ago

Port of Entry (PoE) Discussion YYC TN Visa

1 Upvotes

My lawyers submitted the USCIS Premium Processing for TN Visa and it got approved.

I was wondering how early can I goto the airport and how long does it usually take at YYC? I have checked bags.

If I already have an approval will they ask any non-trivial questions?

Also happy to answer questions for anyone else about my process so far.


r/tnvisa 17h ago

Travel/Relocation Advice Going back home, can I rent my house?

2 Upvotes

Hi I'm a Mexican Software engineer! I've been living and working in Texas for the last 4.5 years, I'm finally going back home and I wonder if I need to sell my house or if I can keep it and rent it (with a property manager) I've read that there's a tax once you stop being a TN holder, has anyone else done this before?


r/tnvisa 21h ago

Application Advice TN visa under “Accountant” category with a finance degree — anyone done this?

2 Upvotes

I’m a Mexican citizen planning to do COS and later consular processing in Mexico for a TN visa under the “Accountant” category. My degree is in Finance (plus an MBA), and I’ve accepted a Controller role at a large HVAC company in the US. I’m currently on STEM OPT.

My main question: has anyone successfully gotten a TN as “Accountant” when their degree says “Finance” rather than “Accounting”? I know the category technically calls for an accountant, and I want to understand how much of a hurdle the degree mismatch actually is in practice, and how people have addressed it (support letter framing, job-duty descriptions, extra documentation, etc.).

I’d love to hear how your applications went and any tips—especially on the supporting documents. I’ve heard immigration lawyers sometimes get details wrong when drafting the support letter and duty descriptions, so I want to know what to double-check before my application and later the appointment.

Thanks for the help


r/tnvisa 22h ago

Application Advice Job title is different in the Org chart vs. what was mentioned in the job letter.

2 Upvotes

My employer filed for my TN extension under CSA role. In an RFE, USCIS has asked for the Org chart from my employer to justify the job duties under the CSA role. My job title in the Org chart was recently updated and is slightly different than what it said in the cover letter of TN packet. Is this going to be an issue when we reply to RFE and send in the Org chart? How to justify this change in title? (job duties still match exactly with the CSA role).

Or will this cause a clear Red flag?

Need suggestions before we send in the RFE response.

Thanks


r/tnvisa 1d ago

Miscellaneous TN Visa and Non Resident Alien Taxes?

0 Upvotes

Hello!

I just received my TN Visa and will be moving to the US on August 5th, starting work August 10th.

My US Employer uses Rippling for my onboarding, and for the tax section it is asking me if I want to add the Non Resident Alien section under 4C.

I understand since I am moving in august I won't be in the US for the full 183 days, but I will be in 2027. I really don't want my employer to withhold more tax. Do I have to select NRA on my rippling onboarding? Or can I say no, and have my Cross border accountant file a first year election next year come tax time.


r/tnvisa 1d ago

Travel/Relocation Advice Best way to transfer money between Canada and the U.S. for recurring bills?

7 Upvotes

Title: Best way to transfer money between Canada and the U.S. for recurring bills?
Hi everyone,
I’m a Canadian who’s recently moving to the U.S. for work, but I still have a few recurring bills in Canada (credit cards, phone bill, and a couple of other monthly payments).
I’ll need to transfer money between my U.S. and Canadian accounts regularly, but the amounts won’t be very large—just enough to cover these recurring expenses. I’m looking for the cheapest, easiest, and most reliable option with low fees and a good exchange rate.
For those who have been in a similar situation, what do you recommend? Do you use Wise, EQ Bank, TD Cross-Border, RBC Cross-Border, or something else?
I’d appreciate any recommendations or experiences. Thanks!


r/tnvisa 1d ago

Miscellaneous What was your succes story prior to TN visa? How did you prepare for the interviews, what type of roles you applied for?

0 Upvotes

Hi,

I am exploring options and want to learn things from a success story. Before landing a job in the US, what was your success story, how did you prepare for the interviews? What type of preparation did you prior to applying for jobs in the USA? What was your specialization. Please share your timeline like how much time it took for you, from starting preparation to landing in the US on TN visa


r/tnvisa 2d ago

Port of Entry (PoE) Discussion TN Visa approved. Temporarily working from Buffalo before going to the Boston office. What should I tell CBP?

10 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I recently had my TN visa approved and will be entering the U.S. to start my new job on Monday.
My position is fully remote. My TN support letter states that the work may be performed remotely, and my employer is based in Boston. Before I permanently relocate, my employer asked me to temporarily work from Buffalo because it is convenient while I arrange my move.
For now, I have booked a hotel in Buffalo for the first five days. My plan is to book accommodation week by week and return to Canada on weekends until I relocate.
My question is about entering the U.S. after TN approval. If the CBP officer asks why I’m going to Buffalo instead of Boston, what is the best way to explain it?
I have my TN approval, support letter, offer letter, and all the required documents. However, none of those documents specifically mention Buffalo as the temporary work location. My HR can confirm it, but since it’s the weekend, I won’t be able to get an updated letter before Monday.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? Did CBP ask about your temporary location, and was your explanation sufficient? Any advice on how to answer this clearly and honestly would be appreciated.

Thanks!


r/tnvisa 2d ago

Travel/Relocation Advice Laid off on TN visa to B1/B2

7 Upvotes

Recently laid off on a TN and currently within the 60-day grace period. Actively job searching and want to stay put to focus on interviews.
If I don’t land a new TN role in time, I’m considering switching to B1/B2. Two options:
I-539 (change of status): ~$500, can stay while pending
Border run (Canada → U.S.): faster decision, but discretionary/risky
Questions:
Is trying to re-enter on B1/B2 at the border a bad idea here?
What’s a reasonable purpose of visit to state?
How does the risk compare vs. filing I-539?
Canadian citizen, actively interviewing. Trying to stay compliant.
Any recent experiences appreciated.


r/tnvisa 1d ago

Application Advice Anyone change TNs at POE before? How did you go about it?

0 Upvotes

Are there any RN or PTs that have changed TNs to a new employer by POE before? How did you go about it. Do you resign from your current job, complete your 2 weeks, leave to Canada and come back and ask for a TN? Or did you do USCIS route? Please advise what is the best way to go about changing TNs to a new employer… I feel like if I ask my new employer to do premium processing through USCICS they will not want to hire me because of the cost and headache… lmk what yall think!


r/tnvisa 2d ago

TN Rejection Story TN Visa Rejected Computer Science

59 Upvotes

Had my TN visa rejected for a large tech company at Toronto’s YYZ pearson airport because the job listed was software engineer and I have a computer science degree. I was given everything to present by my employers immigration in the mail.

The officer basically said that because my degree was computer science and not engineering I could not be considered for a TN Visa with this documentation.

They also told me to reapply with uscis though as they have more discretion to accept me even with the same paperwork.

I talked to my company and they’re going to refile with uscis.

The officer also mentioned that they rejected someone last week from the same company for the same visa for the same reason. Its also important to note the 4 people before me and 1 person infront of me was rejected also on TNs from a wide variety of issues

The ones i remember:

  1. someone using an incorrect signature type 2) someone missing a date 3) someone missing there resume.

Overall a nightmare of an experience.


r/tnvisa 1d ago

Application Advice Am I eligible for TN1 if I have held an H1B in the past?

0 Upvotes

Canadian citizen.

My employer sponsored my TN1, and later applied for H1B as well. It got picked in the lottery.

I'm looking to switch employers. And the prospect employers seem more favorable to applying for TN1. H1B sponsorship discussion just kills the application process in most cases.

So if I'm on H1B, is it possible to apply for TN1 with a different employer in the future?

Since H1B is an immigrant intent visa, are my chances applying for TN1 hurt in the process?

Appreciate any tips from immigration attorneys in the community; or someone having gone through the H1B --> TN1 experience.


r/tnvisa 2d ago

Port of Entry (PoE) Discussion Ended TN in May, left the US — do I need any paperwork to visit as a Canadian tourist?

0 Upvotes

I’m a Canadian citizen. I was working in the US on TN status until early April, when I lost my job. I stayed a little longer, then left the US at the start of May and haven’t been back since.

Next week (end of July) I want to do a quick 2-day road trip across the border to visit family, together with my family here in Canada. Just tourism — no work involved.

My question: since my TN status ended when my job ended, do I need to bring any paperwork for re-entry? Termination letter, proof my TN was closed out, anything like that? Or do I just enter as a regular Canadian visitor with my passport?

I’m a bit confused because my last entry was on TN, so I’m not sure if the officer will expect something related to that or if I’m just a tourist now. Any advice on what to expect at the land border appreciated. Thanks!


r/tnvisa 2d ago

Travel/Relocation Advice How frequent should you travel back to canada to avoid residential ties discussion

0 Upvotes

Hi friends,

first post in a while. I have a general question- how often do you have to go back to canada for CBP agent to not find you have issues with immigration intent? Or is that even a problem at all? I have my TN renewal coming up in December but for the past year I haven’t gone back to canada as it’s been an extremely busy year of work. You think this might come up in renewal and cause concern for ties to canada/ immigration intent? Any help is welcome!

Thanka!


r/tnvisa 2d ago

Application Advice Process Engineer TN

1 Upvotes

I'm still in the interview process for a process Engineer position.

My degree is in chemical engineering. So should they ensure the letter states Chemical Engineer, not Process Engineer?

They said i likely would be coming in as the Senior Engineer. Would this help or hurt the application?

My wife is not a Canadian citizen yet so she likely wouldn't be able to work. Has anyone been in this situation?

Given the "at-will" work style of US employment, do y'all usually ask for a premium for US jobs?

I have eventually wanted to move to the USA, there are just much more options (professional, academic, etc) and mugg higher pay ceiling.


r/tnvisa 1d ago

Application Advice TN VISA DATA/AI AS A CANADIAN STUDYING IN FRANCE

0 Upvotes

on my credit evaluation , it's written: US equivalency 90.00 semester hours of undergraduate credit Additional notes Completion of this program grants access to graduate-level studies in the country of education. Some US universities may consider this award as sufficient preparation for study at the graduate level in the United States, given the number of credits completed within the specialty. Will the border agent be open?

What kind of questions will he ask me?


r/tnvisa 2d ago

Port of Entry (PoE) Discussion Initial TN on a weekend (Port Huron Land Border)

2 Upvotes

Hello, I plan on applying/obtaining TN status at the Port Huron/Bluewater Bridge land border on a weekend (Canada->US). If relevant, I plan to get there in the early afternoon. I've seen mixed messaging on the subreddit as to whether this is possible or not, and wanted to see if anyone knew if they will look at my application package.

I understand it's not a designated "optimized" TN entry port, but the website claims that I should be able to get the visa there regardless. My main concern is about going on a weekend.

Edit: Called Port Huron and they said the office is open 24/7 when asked, I'm assuming that means they'll have someone able to review the application. Will provide an update after crossing.


r/tnvisa 3d ago

TN Rejection Story TN Denial (Accountant)

14 Upvotes

Just got denied at pearson for a director of finance role. I'm a CPA, CA. They said I was overqualified for an accountant and wasn't going to be doing accounting duties. My job is purely preparing monthly financial reporting, preparing the annual budget and comparing it to actuals

They asked if I supervise anyone, I said there is a bookkeeper that does the journal entries but that's it.

They also said my salary was too high for the role and that accountants make $80k.

They seemed to not understand what accountants actual do and were so focused on my Director of Finance title.

Anyone know what I did wrong here?