Hospitals across the U.S. are under pressure to fill clinical roles quickly, cost-effectively, and legally. The good news? There’s a fast-track solution hiding in plain sight: the TN visa, which allows you to directly hire qualified healthcare professionals from Canada and Mexico.
Through the TN visa, you can fill essential positions like Registered Nurse, Medical Lab Technologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, and Pharmacist—without the delays and complexities of traditional visa sponsorships.
What Is the TN Visa?
The TN (Trade NAFTA, now under USMCA) visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the U.S. in select professional roles. It is:
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Fast to process (often in weeks)
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Renewable indefinitely
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Free from labor certification and H-1B caps
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Valid for contract terms ranging from 13 weeks to 3+ years
It’s ideal for healthcare systems seeking flexibility, reliability, and highly trained staff without excessive administrative burden.
Focus on These 5 TN-Eligible Clinical Roles
Registered Nurse (RN)
Registered Nurses are by far the most commonly placed healthcare professionals under the TN visa. Many Canadian and Mexican nurses hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and are trained to standards equivalent to U.S. programs. In addition:
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Most are bilingual (English and Spanish or French)
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They must pass the NCLEX-RN
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They are eligible for state licensure in the U.S.
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Available for 13-week, 12-month, 2-year, and 3-year assignments
Whether you’re filling Med Surg, ICU, ED, or long-term care roles, TN-eligible RNs are a proven, dependable option.
Medical Laboratory Technologist / Scientist
Often referred to as Medical Technologists, these professionals play a vital role in:
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Hematology, microbiology, and chemistry labs
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Blood bank and tissue analysis
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Diagnostic testing behind the scenes
While they are highly educated—typically holding a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or life sciences—it’s important to note: Medical Lab Technologists cannot work directly with patients. Their work is strictly laboratory-based.
Occupational Therapist
Canadian-trained Occupational Therapists are eligible for TN status and are well-prepared to support patients in:
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Stroke rehabilitation
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Pediatric development
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Long-term care and outpatient settings
They must hold an approved degree, meet licensure requirements in your state, and are available for flexible contract durations.
Physical Therapist
TN-eligible Physical Therapists are licensed professionals who work in:
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Acute care hospitals
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Rehabilitation centers
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Orthopedic and sports clinics
These therapists meet U.S. credentialing and licensing standards and can quickly integrate into a hospital or community care team.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists from Canada and Mexico are eligible under the TN category once they are licensed in the state where they will practice. They bring advanced clinical training, excellent English fluency, and are suited for:
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Hospital pharmacy departments
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Outpatient clinics
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Retail pharmacy chains
IntelliStaff Medical can help ensure candidates meet licensure and VisaScreen requirements prior to onboarding.
Additional TN-Eligible Healthcare and Health-Related Roles
Other professionals eligible under the TN visa include:
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Dietitian
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Recreational Therapist
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Medical Laboratory Scientist
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Psychologist
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Biochemist
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Chemist
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Pharmacologist
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Veterinarian (for research or public health)
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Physician (but only for teaching or research roles, not clinical practice)
Notably, Nurse Practitioners, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Personal Support Workers (PSWs), and Care Aides are not eligible under the TN visa unless they also qualify as RNs.
How the Hiring Process Works
The TN process is simple and fast:
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Your hospital provides an offer letter detailing the role and salary.
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The candidate presents proof of credentials, education, and licensing eligibility.
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Canadians apply directly at the border; Mexicans obtain their visa through a consulate appointment.
There’s no need for PERM labor certification, prevailing wage documentation, or long wait times.
How IntelliStaff Medical Can Help
At IntelliStaff Medical, we make hiring cross-border professionals seamless for hospitals. We specialize in helping U.S. healthcare systems:
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Hire qualified Canadian and Mexican RNs, lab technologists, therapists, and pharmacists
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Navigate licensure and credentialing requirements
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Prepare TN visa documents and candidate packages
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Place professionals on contracts from 13 weeks to 3+ years, with renewal or green card pathways available for long-term planning
We handle the paperwork so you can focus on care delivery.
Ready to Explore TN Visa Staffing?
If you’re struggling to find qualified, committed professionals for your open roles, it’s time to consider cross-border recruitment. With the TN visa and IntelliStaff Medical, you can access a reliable pool of healthcare talent without the hassle of traditional sponsorship.
Let’s talk. We’ll help you assess your needs, identify eligible candidates, and fill roles—fast.
