The TN Visa: A Pathway to a Green Card for Canadian and Mexican Registered Nurses

Are you a Canadian or Mexican RN considering long-term work in the USA? The TN visa could be your ticket to a green card and, ultimately, permanent residency in the United States. This pathway offers registered nurses a clear route without the lottery system hassle, providing a valuable option to secure USA permanent residency over time.

Understanding the TN Visa

The TN visa is a unique category within the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA, formerly NAFTA) that allows professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. without needing a complicated lottery system. For registered nurses, as long as you meet all document and credential requirements, plus have a job offer from a U.S. employer, you’re eligible to apply and can quickly get to work in the States.

Advantages of the TN Visa

• No Lottery System: Unlike the H-1B visa, the TN visa does not require you to enter a lottery. This means qualified nurses with job offers and the necessary credentials can start working in the U.S. right away.
• Flexibility and Renewability: The TN visa can be renewed indefinitely in three-year increments, allowing nurses to gain substantial work experience in the U.S.

The Green Card Pathway Through the TN Visa

While the TN visa itself does not automatically lead to a green card, many healthcare employers offer structured pathways toward one. Generally, U.S. employers sponsor TN visa holders for a green card after about one year of employment, though some may start the sponsorship process as early as six months in. It’s a gradual process—depending on country-specific immigration quotas, obtaining a green card could take 3-5+ years. Many of our clients are currently offering a green card pathway for nurses at the 6 month or 1 year mark.

Once you’ve secured your green card, it opens up further benefits for you and your family, including the opportunity for your spouse to apply for a work visa.

Why Country of Birth Matters

An important note: the timeline for obtaining a green card can vary based on your country of birth rather than citizenship. This difference arises from immigration quotas that limit the number of applicants from each country annually. You can find up-to-date information on the green card processing timeline in the Visa Bulletin on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Final Thoughts

For Canadian and Mexican RNs, the TN visa offers a direct and reliable way to start working in the U.S. and even potentially settle there permanently. With no lottery and the option for indefinite renewal, it’s a secure pathway for those seeking long-term opportunities in American healthcare. Plus, with a green card, you’re one step closer to permanent residency—and a whole new level of opportunity for both you and your family.

Please consult the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or speak with an immigration attorney for specific advice on how the TN visa can serve as a pathway to permanent residency.