Work in the United States as a Canadian RN
Canadian citizens who are registered nurses can be admitted to the US in TN status under the USMCA. There is no lottery and no annual cap. You need a US job offer, a US state nursing licence, and a VisaScreen certificate. We help you understand the path and connect with US employers.
What TN status means for a Canadian RN
TN is a temporary work status for Canadian and Mexican citizens in professions listed in the USMCA. Registered Nurse is on that list. You must have a prearranged job with a US employer. TN does not allow self-employment.
Who qualifies
Canadian citizens only. Permanent residents of Canada do not qualify. You need a prearranged job offer from a US employer and the credentials for the role.
US state licence
To be admitted as an RN under TN, you present a permanent or temporary state licence, or other temporary authorization to work as an RN, issued by the nursing board of the state where you will work. Each state sets its own process.
VisaScreen certificate
Nurses also need a VisaScreen certificate from TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) or an equivalent credentialing organization, such as Josef Silny and Associates. It checks your education, licences and English proficiency, and requires proof you passed the NCLEX-RN or the TruMerit Nurse Qualifying Exam.
What you need
This is the short list of what a Canadian RN has to have in hand before TN admission.
- Canadian citizenship and a valid passport
- A current Canadian RN registration in good standing
- A US state RN licence (permanent or temporary) for the state where you will work
- A VisaScreen certificate
- A job offer letter from the US employer describing the RN role, purpose, length of stay and your qualifications
- Proof of your nursing education
Note: We do not hold these documents for you. You apply to the state board, the VisaScreen provider and the border officer yourself, with employer support.
How the process works
- Tell us about yourselfYour registration, specialty and preferred states.
- Start licensing and VisaScreenYou apply to the state board and to TruMerit (or an equivalent organization). This is usually the slowest step and depends on how fast your school and regulator respond.
- We look for US employersWe look for employers who may fit your background. You decide which introductions you want.
- The employer sends a job offerThe employer provides a job offer letter and support documents.
- You apply for TN statusYou apply in person at a designated US port of entry or pre-clearance location, or the employer files a petition. A US border officer decides.
This is a general outline. Steps vary by state and by case. It is not legal advice.
How long does TN last?
Canadian citizens can be admitted in TN status for up to three years at a time. TN can be renewed, and there is no set limit on the number of renewals as long as you intend to stay temporarily.
TN is a temporary status. Moving to permanent residence is a separate process, so speak with a US immigration lawyer. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may qualify for TD status. TD holders can study but cannot work.
Hiring Canadian RNs for your US facility
Canadian citizens do not need a visa stamp or an annual cap number for TN. You provide the job offer letter and role details, and support the nurse through state licensing and border admission. Tell us your state, units and timelines, and we will say honestly what we can do now.
Talk to UsWhere we are at: We are actively building our US employer network for TN placements. If you reach out now, we will tell you what we can move on today and what is still in progress.
Working in Canada instead? See registered nurse jobs in Canada, our direct hire and contract and relief staffing services, or how we handle credentialing and compliance. You can also submit a general profile.
TN visa questions for Canadian nurses
Is there a cap or lottery for TN status?
No. Unlike H-1B, TN has no annual lottery or cap for Canadian citizens. You do need a prearranged US job offer, a US state nursing licence or temporary authorization, and a VisaScreen certificate, so planning the licensing steps early matters even though no lottery is involved.
Can I apply for TN without a job offer?
No. TN requires a prearranged job with a US employer, and TN does not allow self-employment. The employer provides a job offer letter that describes the RN role, the purpose and length of your stay, and your qualifications. You can still start licensing and VisaScreen before an offer arrives.
Do I need a US nursing licence for TN?
Yes. To be admitted as an RN under TN you present a permanent or temporary state licence, or other temporary authorization to work as an RN, issued by the nursing board of the state where you will work. Each state board sets its own rules, so confirm requirements with the specific board.
What is VisaScreen?
VisaScreen is a credentials assessment required for nurses and certain other health workers entering the US to work. It is issued by TruMerit (formerly CGFNS) or an equivalent organization, and covers education, licence checks, English proficiency and proof of passing the NCLEX-RN or the TruMerit Nurse Qualifying Exam.
How long does TN status last?
Canadian citizens can be admitted in TN status for up to three years at a time, and TN can be renewed. There is no set limit on renewals as long as you intend to stay temporarily. TN is a temporary status, and permanent residence is a separate process to discuss with a US immigration lawyer.
Can I apply at the border as a Canadian?
Yes. Canadian citizens can apply for TN admission at designated US ports of entry and pre-clearance locations with proof of citizenship, an employer letter and credentials. A US border officer makes the decision, and neither we nor your employer can guarantee the outcome. The employer can also file a petition instead.
Can LPNs or health care aides use TN?
The TN nursing category is for registered nurses. Other roles generally need a different pathway. If you are an LPN, health care aide or another professional, tell us your situation and we will say honestly what we can help with, including work in Canada through our regular profile form.
Not legal or immigration advice. We are a recruitment agency, not a law firm, and we do not give legal or immigration advice. Border decisions are made by US Customs and Border Protection. Check current rules with CBP, USCIS and an immigration lawyer.
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