Question:
Dear Donna,
I am a Canadian citizen who recently was licensed as an RN in New York state. It is my understanding an RN with Canadian citizenship doesn't need a work permit but can obtain a visa at the port of entry by presenting a letter from a prospective U.S. employer under NAFTA. Could you please advise as to whether there is something else needed when entering the U.S. to work as a RN?
Kyumsun Lee
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Kyumsun,
For this question, I consulted Shari Dingle Sandifer MBA, RN, and CEO of Avant Healthcare Professionals, an international recruiting firm (www.avanthealthcare.com). Here is her response:
"A Canadian citizen that is a registered nurse licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction can work in the U.S. under a TN (Treaty NAFTA) visa. This visa can be obtained at the U.S./Canada boarder. The nurse should present the following: RN license in the state of intended employment, job offer letter from employer, a VisaScreen Certificate issued by CGFNS (www.cgfns.org), proof of Canadian citizenship and TN visa fee. For more information on the TN visa, visit the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services website (www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=bac00b89284a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=bac00b89284a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD).
Best Wishes,
Donna
