A step by step guide plus a state licensing cheat sheet
If you are a Medical Laboratory Technologist or Medical Laboratory Scientist from Canada or Mexico and you are thinking about working in the USA; good news.
Your occupation is officially listed under the TN visa program. This guide walks you through the process without you needing a pot of coffee and a law degree.
Confirm your core competencies
To qualify properly as a Medical Laboratory Technologist under TN, you should be trained and competent in the five core areas of Medical Laboratory Technology:
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Histotechnology
If you spend your time doing real lab work like running analyzers, reading slides and verifying results; you are on the right track.
If the role is mostly patient care or specimen transport; it may not fit the TN definition.Make sure your education matches TN requirements
You can usually qualify under one of two education paths:
- Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology or a closely related life science; or
- Post secondary diploma or certificate plus three years of lab experience in the field.
Keep your transcripts and course outlines handy. You may need them for national certification, VisaScreen and occasionally for a state licence review.
Plan your national certification; ASCP, ASCPi or AMT
The TN visa itself does not require ASCP, ASCPi or AMT; however most employers and some states do.
Think of certification as your professional stamp of approval in the U.S. lab world.- ASCPi MLS; most common and widely accepted option for Canadian and Mexican applicants.
- AMT MLS; accepted in many non licensure states and by a lot of hospital labs.
- ASCP MLS; usually for U.S. educated candidates.
If you want to work in the USA; ASCP, ASCPi or AMT is strongly recommended since almost all employers require it.
Obtain your VisaScreen health care worker certificate
Most health care workers under TN status, including Medical Technologists and Medical Laboratory Technologists, must complete a
VisaScreen certificate before entering the USA.A VisaScreen typically includes:
- Credential evaluation of your education
- Verification of national certification such as ASCPi or AMT
- English exam if your education was not fully in English
- Verification of licences or registrations
Without a valid VisaScreen certificate, you can be refused admission at the border; so this is not a step to skip.
Check whether your target state requires a licence
Some states licence Medical Laboratory Technologists; others leave things to federal CLIA rules and employer standards.
In licensure states, you must usually obtain a state licence before you can perform testing independently.State by State Requirements for Medical Laboratory Technologists
Note; this table is a simplified planning tool only. Always verify details with the state board and current regulations.
State or Territory State licence required Certification usually needed SSN needed for licence Notes California Yes ASCP or AMT commonly accepted Yes One of the strictest states; detailed education review and specific CLS licence. Florida Yes ASCP or AMT Yes Licence through the Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel. Georgia Sometimes; check role and facility ASCP or AMT often preferred Yes Rules can focus on facilities; employers usually set the bar using certification. Hawaii Yes ASCP or AMT Yes Small market; allow extra time for paperwork. Louisiana Yes ASCP or AMT Yes Regulated by the state medical board; higher standards than CLIA minimums. Montana Yes ASCP or AMT Yes Licence required for independent laboratory practice. Nevada Yes ASCP or AMT Yes Strong oversight; confirm the correct category such as generalist or specialist. New York Yes ASCP or equivalent plus approved education Yes Very prescriptive; requires a Clinical Laboratory Technologist licence through NYSED. North Dakota Yes ASCP or AMT Yes Licence is required before practising as an MLS or MLT. Tennessee Yes ASCP or AMT Yes Medical Laboratory Board oversees licensure; requirements can change; always recheck. West Virginia Yes ASCP or AMT Yes Oversight through the Office of Laboratory Services. Puerto Rico Yes ASCP plus local requirements Yes Territorial rules; language and local exams may apply. All other U.S. states No individual lab licence ASCPi or AMT preferred by employers SSN still required for payroll and taxes Often the simplest entry points for TN candidates; employer policies set the standard. If you want the smoothest route into the USA, many candidates start in a non licensure state such as Texas, Washington, Arizona, Colorado or Michigan.
Secure your U.S. job offer
Your employer’s offer letter is the backbone of your TN application. It should clearly include:
- Job title; Medical Laboratory Technologist or Medical Technologist
- Core duties that match lab testing and analysis
- Work location and department
- Full time employment and pay details
- Expected start date and length of assignment
Apply for your TN visa
For Canadian citizens
- Apply at a U.S. land border or pre clearance airport.
- Bring your offer letter, VisaScreen, proof of education, certification and supporting documents.
For Mexican citizens
- Apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate in Mexico.
- After the visa is issued, travel to the USA and request TN status at the port of entry.
Once you are admitted in TN status, you can apply for your Social Security Number so that payroll and, in some states, licensing can move ahead.
Final steps after arrival
- Complete orientation with your lab and hospital.
- Finish any state licence requirements if you are in a licensure state.
- Complete competency assessments and instrument training.
At that point, you are fully set up as a legal, VisaScreen approved, TN status lab professional in the U.S.
How IntelliStaff Medical can help
IntelliStaff Medical works with Canadian and Mexican Medical Laboratory Technologists who want to build a career in the USA.
Our team:
- Matches you with U.S. hospitals and labs that are open to TN visa candidates.
- Helps you understand which states require licences and which are easier entry points.
- Guides you through timing for VisaScreen, certification and TN documentation.
- Supports you through job offer negotiations and the transition into your new role.
If you are ready to explore U.S. opportunities, you can apply now with IntelliStaff Medical so that our team can help you move from Canadian or Mexican lab bench to U.S. lab bench as smoothly as possible.
