Key Takeaways
• June 2025 USCIS update requires TN visa job duties to strictly match one of 63 USMCA professions.
• Employers must provide accurate job descriptions and ensure qualifications match TN visa professions.
• Applicants with mismatched duties risk denial despite similar job titles on TN visa applications.
The United States 🇺🇸 has made important changes to the TN visa program in June 2025, affecting how Canadian and Mexican professionals can work in the country. The TN visa, created under NAFTA and continued under the USMCA, allows certain professionals from Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽 to work in the United States 🇺🇸 in specific jobs. The most recent updates from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarify that it’s not enough for your job title to sound similar to a profession on the official list. Instead, your actual job duties must closely match one of the 63 professions listed under the USMCA. This change has big effects for applicants, employers, and immigration lawyers.
What Changed and Why It Matters
On June 4, 2025, USCIS published new guidance in its Policy Manual, with further clarifications announced on June 13, 2025. These updates make it clear that job duties—not just job titles—must match the USMCA TN profession list. This means that even if your job title is not exactly the same as one on the list, you might still qualify for a TN visa if your daily work matches the duties of a listed profession. However, if your job duties do not fit a listed profession, your application will likely be denied, even if your title sounds similar.
USCIS has stated, “employers must ensure TN professionals work strictly within the scope of approved employment parameters.” This means both employers and applicants need to pay close attention to the actual work being done, not just the job title on paper.
Who Is Affected by the New TN Visa Rules?
The new rules affect a wide range of people and industries, but some professions are especially impacted:
- Scientific Technician/Technologist (ST/T): You must work directly under a supervisor in one of ten specific fields. Patient care is not allowed for this category.
- Physician: You can only do patient care if it’s a small part of teaching or research.
- Computer Systems Analyst: Programmers are not included, but some programming as part of the job is okay.
- Economist: Market research analysts, marketing specialists, and financial analysts do not qualify under this category.
- Engineer: You must have an engineering degree that matches the job. You cannot use this category for general IT or programming jobs unless you are truly an engineer.
These changes are especially important for people working in technology, finance, and healthcare, where job titles and duties often overlap or are unclear.
TN Visa: Job Title vs. Job Duties
A common question is whether you can qualify for a TN visa if your job title does not exactly match a profession on the USMCA list. The answer is yes, but only if your actual job duties match one of the 63 listed professions. The job title is considered, but what really matters is what you do every day at work.
For example, if your job title is “Business Analyst,” but your daily work matches the duties of a “Management Consultant” (which is on the list), you may still qualify. On the other hand, if your title is “Engineer” but your work is mostly IT support or programming, you may not qualify unless you have an engineering degree and your work fits the engineering category.
Key Point: Job duties are more important than job titles for TN visa eligibility.
How the Policy Update Affects Applicants
The June 2025 policy update increases the risk of denial for applicants whose job duties do not clearly fit a listed profession or whose degrees are not directly related to the job. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, applicants and employers must now be extra careful to make sure job descriptions and daily duties match the official list.
If you are applying for a TN visa:
- Review the USMCA TN Profession List: Make sure your job duties match a listed profession. You can find the official list on the USCIS TN Visa Information page.
- Prepare a Detailed Job Description: Your job offer letter should include a clear, detailed description of your daily work, not just your job title.
- Check Your Degree: Your education must be directly related to the profession you are applying for.
- Consult an Immigration Lawyer: If your job title is different or your duties are unclear, talk to an expert to avoid mistakes.
Step-by-Step: Applying for a TN Visa
Here’s a simple guide to the TN visa application process under the new rules:
- Check Eligibility
- Make sure your profession is on the USMCA TN profession list.
- Confirm that your job duties match the listed category.
- Prepare Documentation
- Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship (passport).
- A job offer letter from a U.S. employer that describes your job duties in detail.
- Evidence of your qualifications (degree, certificate, or relevant work experience).
- Align Job Description
- The job description in your offer letter must match the duties of a listed TN profession, even if the job title is different.
- Submit Application
- Canadian citizens: Apply directly at a U.S. port of entry or pre-clearance location.
- Mexican citizens: Apply at a U.S. consulate.
- Attend Interview (if required)
- Mexican applicants must attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate.
- Receive Decision
- If approved, you will be granted TN status for up to three years, with the possibility of renewing as long as you continue to qualify.
Note: There is no official USCIS form for Canadians applying at the border, but Mexican citizens must complete Form DS-160 for their visa application.
What Employers Need to Know
Employers play a big role in the TN visa process. The new rules mean that companies must:
- Provide Accurate Job Descriptions: The job description must clearly match a listed TN profession.
- Hire Qualified Professionals: Make sure the person you hire has the right degree or experience for the profession.
- Avoid Misclassification: Do not use the Engineer category for IT or programming jobs unless the applicant is a true engineer with the right degree.
- Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest USCIS Policy Manual updates to avoid mistakes.
If employers do not follow these rules, their applications may be denied, and they could face delays in hiring.
Real-World Examples
Tech Sector:
A software company wants to hire a Canadian as a “Software Engineer.” If the person’s degree is in computer science and their work is mostly programming, they may not qualify under the Engineer category. The Engineer category is only for people with an engineering degree doing true engineering work.
Finance and Marketing:
A company wants to hire a Mexican citizen as a “Financial Analyst.” This job is not on the TN list. Only “Economist” is listed, and the person must do economic analysis, not financial or market research.
Healthcare:
A hospital wants to hire a Canadian as a “Scientific Technician.” The person must work directly under a supervisor in one of ten approved fields, and cannot provide patient care.
Why the Changes Were Made
The TN visa was created to help Canadian and Mexican professionals work in the United States 🇺🇸 in certain jobs. Over time, some employers and applicants tried to fit jobs into the TN categories that did not really match. The new rules are meant to stop this and make sure only people who truly fit the listed professions get TN visas.
USCIS wants to make sure the TN program is used as it was meant to be, and that only qualified professionals are approved. This helps protect U.S. workers and keeps the program fair.
Implications for Stakeholders
Applicants:
You must now be more careful than ever to make sure your job duties match a listed profession. If your job title is different, focus on your daily work and how it fits the official list.
Employers:
You need to write clear, detailed job descriptions and make sure your hires have the right qualifications. Mistakes can lead to delays or denials.
Immigration Lawyers:
Lawyers are seeing more complex cases and recommend that anyone with a non-standard job title or unclear duties seek expert help.
USCIS:
The agency is expected to keep a close watch on TN applications and may issue more guidance as new questions come up, especially in fast-changing fields like technology and healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a TN visa if my job title is not on the list?
A: Yes, but only if your actual job duties match a listed profession. The job title is less important than what you do every day.
Q: What if my degree is not related to the job?
A: Your degree must be directly related to the profession you are applying for. If not, your application may be denied.
Q: How long can I stay on a TN visa?
A: TN visas are usually granted for up to three years and can be renewed as long as you continue to qualify.
Q: Where can I find the official TN profession list?
A: The list is available on the USCIS TN Visa Information page.
Summary Table: Job Title vs. Job Duties for TN Visa
| Factor | Importance for TN Visa Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Considered, but not decisive |
| Job Duties | Must match a listed USMCA profession |
| Degree/Qualification | Must be directly related to the profession |
| Employer Description | Must accurately reflect job duties |
What to Do Next
- Applicants: Review your job duties and compare them to the USMCA TN profession list. Prepare a detailed job description and gather proof of your qualifications.
- Employers: Double-check job descriptions and make sure your hires fit the official list. Stay updated on policy changes.
- Lawyers: Advise clients to focus on job duties and qualifications, not just titles.
Looking Ahead
USCIS is expected to keep a close eye on TN visa applications and may issue more updates as new questions come up. Employers and applicants should be ready to adapt to any new rules, especially in fast-changing industries.
Where to Get Help
For more information, visit the USCIS TN Visa Information page. If your case is complex or your job title does not clearly match the list, consider talking to an immigration lawyer.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the most important thing is to make sure your daily work matches a listed TN profession, not just your job title. This will give you the best chance of success under the new rules.
Takeaway:
The June 2025 USCIS policy update means that for the TN visa, your job duties must match the USMCA profession list. Job titles alone are not enough. Both applicants and employers must be careful and detailed in their applications to avoid denial. If you’re unsure, seek expert advice before applying.
Learn Today
TN visa → A US work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA treaty.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration benefits.
USMCA → United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a trade pact continuing NAFTA visa provisions.
Job duties → Specific daily tasks performed that must align with a listed TN profession.
Policy Manual → USCIS official guide detailing rules and procedures for visa applications.
This Article in a Nutshell
In June 2025, USCIS tightened TN visa rules, emphasizing job duties over titles. This affects Canadian and Mexican professionals, requiring precise work descriptions and related degrees to qualify under USMCA’s 63 listed professions. Employers and applicants must now ensure strict adherence to avoid visa denials and legal issues.
— By VisaVerge.com
