Scientist Occupations

TN Visa: Geophysicist / Oceanographer

BACKGROUND OF TN VISA CATEGORY

The TN visa occupational category for Geophysicists was first listed in the United States-Canada Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) in 1989. See 54 Federal Register 12 (Jan. 3, 1989). The predecessor to NAFTA, the FTA provided work authorization under TC visa status, which was only available to Canadian citizens. The occupational category for Geophysicists was carried over and included in the NAFTA list of available occupations in 1994. See 58 FR 69205 (Dec. 30, 1993). NAFTA also expanded the TN visa category for Geophysicists to include the Oceanographer occupation. Id.

TN VISA APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for TN visa status under the occupational category for Geophysicists / Oceanographers, an individual must possess one of the following:

  • Bachelor’s (Baccalaureate) degree; or
  • Licenciatura Degree.

The regulations governing TN visa status generally do not provide any guidance on the type of degrees or majors suitable for a particular TN occupational category. To determine the types of degrees suitable for Geophysicists / Oceanographers for purposes of a TN visa, we may refer to U.S. Department of Labor publications such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). See Royal Siam Corp. v. Chertoff, 484 F.3d 139, 145 (1st Cir. 2007).

Read more about the TN visa degree requirements.

TN VISA JOB DUTIES REQUIREMENTS

The TN visa regulations do not specifically define the types of Geophysicist / Oceanographer positions or job duties that are permissible under this TN category. Like the degree requirement, individuals should refer to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) for guidance on the generally accepted job duties for this occupation.

Read more about TN visa job duties.

ARTICLES

  • TN Visa Articles - Geophysicists / Oceanographers (unavailable at this time)