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TN Visa Guide for Research Assistants

Learn how to qualify as a Research Assistant and take your career to the U.S. with a TN Visa.

Key Requirements

  • Education: Bachelor's degree
  • Experience: Not strictly required
  • Valid Job Offer & Support Letter

TN Visa Requirements for Research Assistants

Here's a breakdown of the requirements you'll need to meet to qualify for a TN Visa as a Research Assistant.

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 science or a related field

Job Duties

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

  • Assist in the design, execution, and analysis of experiments
  • Collect and analyze data
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and manuscripts
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies
  • Keep detailed records of experiments
  • Communicate with other researchers and collaborators

Job Title

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

  • Research Associate
  • Research Coordinator

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!