How Canadian Dietitians Can Work in the USA on a TN Visa

Canadian dietitians can work in the United States using TN status. However, they may also need the American RD or RDN credential and a licence from the state where they will work.

Here is the process without the regulatory alphabet soup.

Steps at a Glance

1. Confirm Canadian citizenship.
2. Maintain your Canadian dietitian registration.
3. Apply through CDR’s Canadian pathway.
4. Confirm that you meet the graduate degree requirement.
5. Pass the U.S. dietitian examination.
6. Choose the state where you want to work.
7. Apply for the required state licence.
8. Secure a qualifying U.S. job offer.
9. Obtain the employer’s TN support letter.
10. Prepare and submit your TN application.
11. Obtain a Social Security number, if required.
12. Begin practising after your state licence is issued.

Detailed Steps

1. Confirm Canadian Citizenship

   TN status is available to Canadian citizens, not Canadian permanent residents.

   You will need:

   • A valid Canadian passport
   • A temporary professional job offer in the United States
   • Qualifications that match the USMCA Dietitian category

   Dietitian is specifically listed as a TN profession. The USMCA requires either a relevant bachelor’s degree or a valid state or provincial licence.

2. Maintain Your Canadian Registration

   Remain actively registered with your provincial dietitian regulator.

   Request:

   • Licence verification
   • A letter of good standing
   • Registration history
   • Official academic transcripts

   Your Canadian provincial registration helps establish your TN qualifications. It does not automatically authorize you to practise in a U.S. state.

3. Apply Through CDR’s Canadian Pathway

   The Commission on Dietetic Registration, or CDR, issues the American Registered Dietitian and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist credentials.

   Ask Dietitians of Canada to send CDR a letter confirming:

   • Active Dietitians of Canada membership
   • Canadian education
   • Completion of an accredited dietetics program
   • Graduate degree and degree date
   • Current Canadian provincial registration

   Review the CDR Canadian Registered Dietitian Pathway.

4. Confirm the Graduate Degree Requirement

   The USMCA allows a dietitian to qualify for TN status using a bachelor’s degree or provincial licence.

   However, CDR’s current Canadian pathway requires a graduate degree for first-time U.S. registration eligibility.

   This means someone may satisfy the TN education requirement but not yet qualify for the American RDN credential.

   Canadian dietitians without a graduate degree should contact CDR before paying fees or accepting a position that requires U.S. registration.

5. Pass the U.S. Dietitian Examination

   Once CDR approves your eligibility, you will receive authorization to take the Registration Examination for Dietitians through Pearson VUE.

   The examination covers areas including:

   • Principles of dietetics
   • Nutrition care
   • Foodservice systems
   • Program management
   • Leadership
   • Research
   • Professional practice

   After passing and completing CDR’s registration requirements, you can use the RD or RDN credential. Both designations have the same professional meaning.

   Review the CDR examination information.

6. Choose the State Where You Want to Work

   Dietitian licensing rules are established by individual states.

   Many states require a licence before someone can:

   • Practise dietetics
   • Provide medical nutrition therapy
   • Work directly with patients
   • Use protected professional titles
   • Provide tele-dietetics to patients in that state

   A few states do not license dietitians, while others require licensure or state certification.

   Choose the destination state early because the requirements, fees and timelines vary. Fifty states means fifty slightly different versions of the same paperwork.

   Review the CDR State Licensure Directory.

7. Apply for the Required State Licence

   Depending on the state, an applicant may need to provide:

   • Active CDR registration
   • RD or RDN examination results
   • Official transcripts
   • Canadian licence verification
   • A letter of good standing
   • Passport or government identification
   • Criminal background check
   • Fingerprints
   • Social Security number
   • State application fee
   • Jurisprudence examination

   CDR registration and state licensure are separate. Holding the RD or RDN credential does not automatically grant permission to practise in every state.

   State Licensing Example: South Carolina

   South Carolina is an example of a state that requires dietitian licensure.

   Anyone practising dietetics or tele-dietetics in South Carolina must hold a licence from the South Carolina Panel for Dietetics.

   Canadian applicants will generally need:

   • Current registration with CDR
   • A completed South Carolina application
   • A current CDR registration card
   • Official college or university transcripts
   • Passport or government-issued identification
   • A passport-style photograph
   • Verification of every dietitian licence held
   • A Social Security number
   • The applicable licensing fee

   The current South Carolina application materials list a $175 USD non-refundable application fee.

   South Carolina does not issue a provisional licence merely because an applicant is eligible to take the CDR examination. The applicant generally must first obtain the RD or RDN credential and maintain active CDR registration.

   Canadian licence verification may need to be sent directly to the South Carolina Panel by the applicant’s provincial regulator.

   The state licence is required for:

   • In-person dietetics services
   • Clinical dietitian work
   • Medical nutrition therapy
   • Tele-dietetics provided to patients located in South Carolina

   Review the South Carolina Panel for Dietetics licensing requirements.

   The Social Security Number Timing Issue

   Some state licensing applications, including South Carolina’s current application, request a Social Security number or a copy of the applicant’s Social Security card.

   A Canadian who has never worked in the United States may need to:

   1. Secure the qualifying U.S. job offer.
   2. Obtain TN status.
   3. Enter the United States.
   4. Apply for a Social Security number.
   5. Complete the state licensing process.
   6. Wait for the licence before performing clinical dietitian duties.

   The employer should coordinate the start date carefully. TN approval permits the individual to work for the sponsoring employer, but it does not override state professional licensing laws.

8. Secure a Qualifying U.S. Job Offer

   TN status requires a prearranged position with a U.S. employer.

   Eligible titles may include:

   • Registered Dietitian
   • Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
   • Clinical Dietitian
   • Renal Dietitian
   • Oncology Dietitian
   • Long-Term Care Dietitian
   • Paediatric Dietitian

   The duties must involve professional dietetics work consistent with the USMCA Dietitian category.

   You cannot obtain TN status simply to enter the United States and begin looking for work.

9. Obtain the Employer’s TN Support Letter

   The U.S. employer should provide a detailed TN support letter containing:

   • Employer’s legal name
   • Work location
   • Position title
   • Detailed professional duties
   • Required qualifications
   • Candidate’s qualifications
   • Salary
   • Requested employment period
   • An explanation of how the role fits the TN Dietitian category
   • Confirmation that the employment is temporary

   TN status can generally be granted for up to three years.

10. Prepare the TN Application

    Canadian dietitians should generally bring:

    • Valid Canadian passport
    • Original TN support letter
    • Employment offer or agreement
    • Degrees and official transcripts
    • Canadian provincial dietitian licence
    • Letter of good standing
    • CDR registration certificate
    • State licence or evidence of licensing progress
    • Current résumé
    • Employment verification letters
    • Applicable fees

    The employer may alternatively file Form I-129 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before the candidate travels.

11. Apply for TN Status

    Canadian citizens generally apply at:

    • A participating land port of entry
    • A U.S. preclearance location at a Canadian airport
    • Another eligible U.S. port of entry

    Final approval is determined by U.S. immigration authorities.

    TN status and professional licensure are separate. Receiving TN approval does not allow the dietitian to begin practising before satisfying the state’s licensing requirements.

12. Begin Working and Maintain Your Credentials

    Before beginning clinical practice, confirm that you have:

    • Valid TN status
    • A valid I-94 admission record
    • Active RD or RDN registration
    • The required state licence
    • Employer authorization to begin work

    Continue maintaining:

    • CDR registration
    • State licence
    • Continuing education
    • Canadian passport
    • TN status

Final Checklist

• Canadian citizenship
• Valid Canadian passport
• Active Canadian dietitian registration
• Qualifying dietetics education
• U.S. RD or RDN credential, when required
• U.S. state licence, when required
• Qualifying job offer
• Employer TN support letter
• TN approval
• Social Security number, when required

IntelliStaff Medical Can Help

IntelliStaff Medical helps qualified Canadian healthcare professionals explore U.S. opportunities and prepare for the cross-border process.

The U.S. hospital is the employer and provides the qualifying job offer. IntelliStaff Medical supports candidates through recruitment, licensing preparation and border coaching.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Immigration, registration and licensing rules can change. Confirm current requirements with CDR, the applicable state licensing authority and a qualified U.S. immigration lawyer.