Canadian Nurses Moving to the United States with a TN Visa

For Canadian nurses looking to expand their professional horizons, the United States presents an attractive opportunity for career advancement. Thanks to the streamlined process afforded by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), obtaining a TN visa to work in the United States is a relatively straightforward process. Also, this special arrangement highlights the economic and trade relationships which makes it easier for Canadian nurses to engage in leading-edge professional activities in the United States.

The TN Visa Advantage

Canadian citizens benefit significantly from the TN nonimmigrant classification. This classification allows qualified professionals, including nurses, to seek temporary entry into the United States for business activities at a professional level. The work authorization process for Canadian nurses is expedient. It enables a swift transition to working in the U.S. healthcare system.

Key Steps for Success

National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN): Initially, passing the NCLEX-RN is the critical step. This examination assesses the candidate’s readiness to practice nursing at a registered nurse level in the United States.
Visa Screen Certificate: After passing the NCLEX-RN, obtaining a Visa Screen certificate is necessary. This certificate validates the nurse’s credentials, ensuring they meet U.S. standards for health care professionals.
English Examination: For those who completed their nursing education in a non-English speaking region, such as Quebec, taking the academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam is required to demonstrate proficiency in English.

Documentation and Costs

Document / Requirement	Cost
Proof of Canadian citizenship	Cost of maintaining valid Canadian passport
Letter from prospective U.S. employer	N/A
TN application at the port of entry (Canadians): employer support letter + proof of qualifications	Small I-94 fee (about $6) at admission. No Form I-129 petition is required.

Fees change — these figures are current as of August 2026. Confirm on the USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055) before relying on them.

Optional employer-petition route: If the employer instead petitions through USCIS (optional, e.g. an in-country extension), Form I-129 applies — this is not a standard Canadian border cost:

Form I-129 fee: $1,015 (employers with more than 25 employees) or $510 (25 or fewer employees).
Asylum Program Fee: $600.
Optional premium processing: $2,965 for 15-business-day handling.

These steps and associated costs outline the pathway for Canadian nurses to obtain TN status, facilitating a smooth transition to practicing nursing in the United States.

The TN Visa Process: Quick and Efficient

Once the NCLEX-RN and Visa Screen requirements are satisfied, and the IELTS or TOEFL exam is passed if necessary, the TN visa process moves quickly. Canadian nurses are visa-exempt and are typically granted TN status the same day at the port of entry — there is no weeks-long visa wait (that applies to Mexican applicants, who apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate). They can establish eligibility for TN classification at the time of admission by presenting the required documentation to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer.

Conclusion

For Canadian nurses, the TN visa represents a streamlined and effective way to pursue professional opportunities in the United States.

After following the steps and preparing the necessary documentation, Canadian nurses can leverage the USMCA opportunity. This ensures a quick and easy transition to the U.S. healthcare sector. With proper preparation, nurses can expand their careers across the border in just a few weeks. This opens up numerous possibilities for professional growth and development.