The University of Pittsburgh
Office of International Services
TN Employment Letter Guide
For departments hiring a Canadian or Mexican Citizen who wish to enter in TN Status
The letter must indicate that the position in question in the U.S. requires the employment of a person in a professional capacity, consistent with the NAFTA Chapter 16, Annex 1603, Appendix 1603.d.1. Some of the more common categories include:
Teacher: This category can only be used for teachers entering the United States to work for a university, college or seminary. They must possess relevant baccalaureate or licenciatura degrees. Since the TN applicant must show that their stay is temporary, the TN category is not recommended for tenure-track faculty who plan to apply for lawful permanent residence.
Scientist:Scientists seeking TN status must have either a baccalaureate or a licenciatura degree in the appropriate field. This category covers a broad range of scientific fields that may be useful to academic and research institutions.
Research Assistant:As a Research Assistant, an individual must be entering the United States to conduct research for a postsecondary educational institution. To qualify for the profession, the individual must possess a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree in the relevant field of study.
Scientific Technician/Technologist:A individual in the Scientific echnician/Technologist category must be seeking temporary entry for work in direct support of professionals in agricultural sciences, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, forestry, geology, geophysics, meteorology or physics. No specific degree is required for this occupation., but it must be shown that the person has theoretical knowledge and ability to solve practical problems or perform basic or applied research in one of those disciplines. Section 15.5(f)(2)(A) of the CBP Inspector's Field Manual states that the theoretical knowledge "should generally have been acquired through the successful completion of at least two years of training in a relevant educational program." The IFM also states that the job offer "must demonstrate that the work of the ST/T will be inter-related with that of the supervisory professional. That is, the work of the ST/T must be managed, coordinated and reviewed by the professional supervisor, and must also provide input to the supervisory professional's own work."
Medical/Allied Professionals:This category encompasses many occupations that are useful to universities and medical institutions. A few examples are Dentist, Medical Technologist, Pharmacist, Physician (teaching or research only), Psychologist, and Registered Nurse. These individuals must comply with and present appropriate licensure relevant to their field.
Computer Systems Analyst:An individual applying for TN status as a Computer Systems Analyst must possess a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree or a credential issued after at least two years of post secondary education. This category currently does not include computer programmers. The NAFTA Handbook states the following: "The computer systems analyst category does not include programmers. A systems analyst is an information specialist who analyzes how data processing can be applied to the specific needs of users and who designs and implements computer-based processing systems. Systems analysts study the organization itself to identify its information needs and design computer systems that meet those needs. Although the systems analyst will do some programming, the TN category has not been expanded to include programmers." CBP Inspector's Field Manual 15.5(f)(2)(H)
Economist:In order to qualify for TN status as an Economist, the applicant must hold a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree.
Engineer:An individual applying for TN status as an Engineer must hold a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree in the appropriate field.
An employment letter or contract providing a detailed description of the business activities may be provided from the U.S. or foreign employer, and should state the following (see following page for a TN letter template):
- Activity in which the applicant shall be engaged and purpose of entry;
- Anticipated length of stay;
- Educational qualifications or appropriate credentials demonstrating professional status;
- Evidence of compliance with DHS regulations, and/or state laws; and
- Arrangements for pay.
- Although not required, proof of licensure to practice a given profession in the U.S. may be offered along with a job offer letter, or other documentation in support of a TN visa application.
TN Visa Letter Template
We recommend using the following template to request TN visa status for Canadian or Mexican citizens
employed by the University of Pittsburgh.
[On University Letterhead]
Date
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
Customs and Border Protection [for Canadians]
U.S. Dept. of State
Consular Section, Visa Services [for Mexicans]
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
Citizenship and Immigration Services
Nebraska Service Center
850 “S” Street
Lincoln, NE 68508 [for extensions and change of status within the U.S.]
To Whom It May Concern:
This is to request TN status for Dr./Ms./Mr. ______, who has been invited to
[teach/conduct research, etc.] in the Department of ______at the University of
Pittsburgh.
Dr./Ms./Mr. ______’s professional affiliation with the University will extend from
______(mm/dd/yyyy) to ______(mm/dd/yyyy).
He/she will be employed as a [NAFTA job title] with an annual salary of $______.
At the University of Pittsburgh, Dr./Ms./Mr. ______will [description of work to be
performed, including specific job duties].
Thank you for your consideration of this application.
Sincerely,
[University Representative]