Our 10-step guide: How to Migrate to the U.S. as a Registered Nurse on a Trade National Visa

Looking to take your nursing career south of the border?

If you’re a Canadian or Mexican citizen and a registered nurse, the Trade National (TN) visa offers one of the most streamlined pathways to work and live in the United States. With the right preparation and support, this temporary work visa can open the door to exciting career opportunities, professional development, and a promising long-term move for you and your family.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to making it happen:

Step 1: Confirm citizenship

The TN visa, offered under the trade agreements NAFTA (now replaced by USMCA), is exclusively available to citizens of Canada and Mexico.

To qualify, you must:

• Hold a valid Canadian or Mexican passport
• Be able to present this passport when applying for your TN visa status, either at the border or during the consular process.

It’s important to note that permanent residents of Canada or Mexico are not eligible for TN status. You must be a citizen of either of these countries. Double-check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date into the U.S.

Step 2: Confirm your eligibility under the TN Professions List

Not all professions qualify under TN visa guidelines, but Registered Nurse is one of them.

According to the USMCA, Registered Nurses RNs are on the approved list of TN professions, provided you meet the required licensing and educational criteria.

To qualify, you typically need:

• A degree or diploma in nursing
• An active RN license in your Canadian or Mexican province or territory

• Proof that you meet eligibility to practice in the U.S., usually by passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and fulfilling state board requirements

Before proceeding, confirm that your nursing qualifications align with U.S. standards.

Step 3: Pass the NCLEX-RN and prepare for U.S. licensure

To legally work as a nurse in the U.S., you must pass the NCLEX-RN.

The process typically includes:

• Applying for licensure in a U.S. state through that state’s Board of Nursing
• Obtaining approval to sit the NCLEX-RN
• Taking and passing the exam
• Transferring or endorsing your license to the state you’ll work in, if needed.

Most U.S. boards also require educational credential evaluations, often through CGFNS, to verify that your nursing education meets U.S. standards.

Step 4: Meet English language requirements, if applicable

If you completed your nursing education in English, you may be exempt from language proficiency testing. However, some U.S. states or credentialing bodies still require proof.

Accepted English language tests include:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• TOEIC, less commonly

Check the Board of Nursing in your target U.S. state and your credentialing agency, such as the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, to verify if language testing is required. Completing this step early helps avoid licensing delays.

Step 5: Obtain a VisaScreen Certificate

Before starting work in the U.S. under a TN visa, you must obtain a VisaScreen Certificate, issued by CGFNS International.

This certificate confirms:

• Your credentials are comparable to U.S. education and licensure standards
• You’ve passed the NCLEX and/or meet relevant licensing requirements
• You’ve met English proficiency standards, if required

The VisaScreen is a mandatory U.S. immigration requirement for all internationally educated nurses applying for a TN visa. Without it, your visa application cannot proceed.

Step 6: Secure a job offer and assignment in the U.S.

To apply for the TN visa, you need a valid job offer from a U.S. employer. This job must be specifically for a Registered Nurse role and meet TN classification standards.

Your offer letter should include:

• Job title (Registered Nurse)
• Description of responsibilities
• Location of employment
• Employment duration and start date
• Salary, benefits, and working conditions
• Confirmation that the role is TN eligible

At Conexus MedStaff, we support internationally educated nurses by matching them with compliant assignments and long-term opportunities across the U.S., helping you get off to a strong start from day one.

Step 7: Apply for your TN Visa

As a Canadian or Mexican citizen, you can apply for your TN visa directly at a U.S. port of entry, and you don’t need pre-approval from a consulate.

Be prepared with the following documentation:

• Valid Canadian or Mexican passport
• Job offer letter
• NCLEX-RN results and nursing license
• VisaScreen Certificate
• Educational credentials and transcripts
• Any state board documents (license verification, approvals, etc.)

Optional: You can also apply through a U.S. consulate in Canada or Mexico, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling with dependents or need a visa stamp for future re-entry.

Step 8: Prepare for relocation

Once your visa is approved, it’s time to prepare for your move.

Key relocation areas to consider:

• Housing: Proximity to your hospital or clinic, safety, and cost
• Transportation: Will you need a car or access to public transport?
• Banking and finance: Set up a U.S. bank account and understand currency exchange
• Healthcare and insurance: Learn how U.S. health insurance works
• Community: Connect with local nursing groups, cultural communities, or support networks

Conexus MedStaff offers comprehensive relocation assistance and community integration guidance to help you and your family settle in smoothly.

Step 9: Consider your family

Your spouse and children aged under 21 and unmarried are eligible to accompany you under the TD (Trade Dependent) visa status.

Key points:

• Spouse: Cannot work while on a TD visa, but may study
• Children: May attend school in the U.S. without additional visa requirements

Family members can apply for TD status either at the border with you or separately via a U.S. consulate if traveling at a later date.

Plan your family’s relocation early and consider elements such as school enrollment, housing, and healthcare, all of which may require additional preparation.

Step 10: Plan your pathway to permanent residency

Although the TN visa is temporary, as it’s issued for up to three years at a time, it can serve as a stepping stone to a Green Card.

Common pathways to U.S. permanent residency include:

• Employer sponsorship (EB-3 visa): For full-time, long-term RN positions
• Adjustment of status: From TN to permanent residency while living in the U.S.
• Family sponsorship: If you have immediate family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents

Conexus MedStaff supports TN visa nurses in long-term planning and can sponsor qualifying nurses for Green Cards based on performance and client demand.

The TN visa is a powerful, accessible route for Canadian and Mexican nurses looking to advance their careers in the U.S., but success depends on proper planning and ongoing support.

From licensure and VisaScreen certification to relocation and long-term sponsorship, Conexus MedStaff is here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to explore U.S. nursing opportunities through the TN visa?
Contact us or visit conexusmedstaff.com to start your journey today.