TN Visa Success: Nurse Charo’s Story
By Emma Gittins - Posted Feb 18, 2025
At Conexus MedStaff, we take pride in supporting international nurses on their journey to a fulfilling career in the U.S. Whether you are navigating visa processes, preparing for licensure exams, or settling into your new roles, we are committed to guiding you through every step of the way. While the EB-3 visa provides permanent residency, many nurses face challenges of retrogression and long processing times. For Canadian nurses, the TN visa provides a quicker and less complicated pathway to working in the U.S.
Charo’s Journey
Charo, a registered nurse from the Philippines, pursued this pathway alongside her husband, Michael, also a registered nurse. After working in the Philippines for six years, the family moved to Toronto, Canada, in 2011. There, they completed bridging education to meet licensing requirements and secure jobs as nurses. By 2015, feeling the need for career growth and new challenges, they set their sights on the United States. Understanding TN visa requirements helped them streamline their transition into the U.S. healthcare system.
Charo and Michael, Conexus nurses
Although Charo and Michael were eager to take the next step in their careers with a placement in Texas, they decided to put their move on hold as they focused on their growing family. When the time was right, Conexus supported them in securing a position in North Carolina. Reflecting on the journey, Charo feels everything worked out perfectly. “We were able to secure a job in North Carolina, which was three hours away from my mom and my sister who live in Virginia Beach. I guess it was just meant to be.”
The TN Visa Process
As Canadian citizens, Charo and Michael began their TN visa journey with the support of Conexus. Reflecting on the process, Charo recalls how smooth it was: “There were no issues once we applied for the TN visa. When we went to the border, we were there less than an hour and crossed into the U.S. on the same day. That’s how easy it was.” Their experience highlights why so many healthcare professionals explore TN visa jobs as a pathway to advancing their careers in the U.S.
Charo’s Advice to Fellow Healthcare Professionals
Reflecting on her journey, Charo emphasizes how grateful she is for the support she received from Conexus. While acknowledging the sacrifices and challenges that come with any big transition, she describes the experience as a humbling one. “Everything that we have now is all because of the patience and perseverance,” Charo says. She feels truly blessed to have met people along the way who helped guide her, and she’s especially thankful for Conexus. “I’m just glad that Conexus was able to help me with my goals,” she adds, expressing how fortunate she feels to have worked with such a supportive agency.
When giving advice to others about their journey, Charo emphasizes the importance of perspective, especially when it comes to finances. “I tell them, don’t focus solely on money,” she explains. “When you’re working with an agency, you have to understand that it’s not about immediate high pay. What’s important is the long-term support you receive—your application, sponsorship, and guidance are all part of the process. Money will come with time.” Charo reflects on the progress she and Michael have made, including purchasing a house in California and even contemplating further investments in North Carolina and Ohio. “I’m not bragging,” she says, “but I just want people to understand that if you stay patient and work within the system, opportunities will come. Starting out, the pay might not seem much, but it’s a stepping stone. For those in the medical field, especially nurses, the chance to build a life here is invaluable.”
“This year, we’ll get our U.S. citizenship.”
Make Your American Dream a Reality
For many healthcare professionals, transitioning from a TN visa to a green card is a long-term goal. Charo and Michael have successfully navigated this journey, leveraging their TN visa careers to establish themselves in the U.S. healthcare system. Now excelling in their careers and life in the U.S., they have completed their initial contracts with Conexus and are thriving in their new home. Michael is even pursuing his nurse practitioner qualification. Reflecting on their success, Charo says, “This year, by October, we’ll get our U.S. citizenship.”
For nurses exploring opportunities in the U.S., understanding what a TN visa is and how it can open doors to fulfilling careers is essential. With the right guidance and perseverance, the TN visa Canada pathway can be an excellent route to professional and personal success in the United States.
