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TN Visa Guide for Occupational Therapists

Learn how to qualify as an Occupational Therapist and take your career to the U.S. with a TN Visa.

Key Requirements

  • Education: Bachelor's degree, or a State/Provincial License
  • Experience: Not strictly required
  • Valid Job Offer & Support Letter

TN Visa Requirements for Occupational Therapists

Here's a breakdown of the requirements you'll need to meet to qualify for a TN Visa as an Occupational Therapist.

Educational Requirements

You’ll need to be able to provide an original copy of these degrees, diplomas, or certifications in your TN package

  • Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy or a related field
  • (or) a State/Provincial License in Occupational Therapy

Job Duties

Your job offer will need to include at least half of these duties

  • Evaluate clients' conditions by reviewing their medical history, interviewing them, and observing them perform various tasks
  • Develop and implement treatment plans that have specific activities to help clients work toward their goals
  • Help clients relearn and perform daily living tasks, such as teaching a person who has had a stroke how to get dressed
  • Demonstrate exercises—for example, stretching the joints for arthritis relief—to help relieve clients’ pain
  • Evaluate a client’s home, school, or workplace to identify potential accessibility improvements, such as labeling kitchen cabinets for an older person with poor memory
  • Educate a client’s family about how to accommodate and care for them
  • Recommend special equipment, such as mobility aids and eating aids, and instruct clients and families on how to use it
  • Assess and record clients’ activities and progress for client evaluations, billing, and other purposes

Job Title

The job title on your offer of employment should match or be similar to one of the following:

  • Ergonomist
  • Rehabilitation Therapist

Job Offer

You will need to have accepted a written job offer from a U.S. employer that includes the following:

  • Job Title
  • Detailed job description
  • Source(s) of remuneration, salary, and benefits
  • Duration of employment
  • Must be on company letterhead with the original signature from your employer

Support Letter

Your employer will need to sign off on a support letter which confirms that your employer is aware of the TN visa requirements and is willing to support your application.

How to Apply

Your employer will need to sign off on a support letter which confirms that your employer is aware of the TN visa requirements and is willing to support your application.

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship (passport)
  • A detailed offer of employment from a U.S. employer that includes the nature of the job and its expected duration
  • Evidence of qualifications for the role, such as diplomas, degrees, and licenses
  • Proof that the job is on the list of TN eligible professions

Upon approval, Canadians can enter the U.S. for up to three years on a TN Visa, which can be renewed indefinitely.

How can I ensure my application is approved at the border?

To avoid any unexpected issues at the port of entry, we strongly recommend scheduling a professional consultation. With expert guidance, you can ensure your documents are in order and your application process goes smoothly. Don’t leave your future to chance—get the support you need to succeed!