Your Guide to Getting a VisaScreen as a Medical Laboratory Technologist
November 17, 2025
What it is, why you need it, and how to avoid headaches along the way
If you are a Canadian or Mexican Medical Laboratory Technologist thinking about working in the USA, the VisaScreen is a non-negotiable step. You must have it before you can receive TN status and start work in a U.S. lab.
What is a VisaScreen?
A VisaScreen is an official credential review for internationally educated health professionals. It confirms that you meet
U.S. standards in:
Education
Clinical training
National certification
English proficiency (if required)
For Medical Laboratory Technologists, it also confirms that you are trained in the five core areas:
Microbiology
Chemistry
Hematology
Transfusion Medicine
Histotechnology
A VisaScreen certificate is valid for five years. Since it can take time to process, starting early keeps you
ready when U.S. jobs become available and helps prevent last-minute hiccups.
Why Medical Laboratory Technologists need a VisaScreen
Under U.S. immigration rules, Medical Laboratory Technologists are treated as health care workers. Anyone entering the USA to
work in a regulated health field under the TN visa must have a VisaScreen certificate.
No VisaScreen means no TN approval, even if you have a signed job offer and your bags half packed.
Who issues the VisaScreen?
VisaScreen certificates are issued by TruMerit. TruMerit reviews your documents, verifies your credentials and issues the final VisaScreen certificate when everything is
approved.
How to get your VisaScreen through TruMerit
Create your TruMerit account
Go to TruMerit and set up an account using the exact name on your passport:
Upload your identification
TruMerit will ask you to submit your passport and any other required ID so they can confirm your identity.
Have your school send transcripts
Your college or university must send official transcripts directly to TruMerit. They generally will not accept transcripts
that you send yourself.
Make sure your school follows TruMerit’s instructions exactly so your file is not delayed.
Verify your national certification
As a Medical Laboratory Technologist, you will normally need one of the following certifications:
ASCP
ASCPi
AMT
TruMerit requires verification sent directly from the certifying body. You will request ASCP, ASCPi or AMT to send official
proof of your certification to TruMerit.
English exam if needed
If your program was not taught fully in English, you will need an approved English exam such as TOEFL or IELTS. Test scores
must be sent directly to TruMerit from the testing organisation.
TruMerit reviews your file
Once all documents arrive, TruMerit reviews your education, certification, clinical training and English results. Processing
times vary. This is why starting early is so important if you want to be ready when a U.S. employer offers you a role.
Download your VisaScreen certificate
When your file is approved, TruMerit issues your VisaScreen certificate. You will be able to access it through your
TruMerit account.
You must present this certificate at the border or at a U.S. consulate when applying for TN status as a Medical Laboratory
Technologist.
How long does a VisaScreen take?
Timing depends on how quickly your:
School sends transcripts
Certification body sends verification
English testing centre sends results (if needed)
Many candidates underestimate these steps, so starting the VisaScreen process early is one of the best ways to avoid delays
and missed start dates.
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