I don’t know if I have said this already, but I have a serious case of wanderlust.
I love the idea of packing up all my things and moving somewhere completely new. The honest truth is that it is a challenge for me to stay in one place too long.
I’m a pretty sure adventure is in my DNA.
When I came across the nugget of information that I was eligible to work in the United States with my CTRS designation, it opened a whole new world of adventure potential.
A combination of my love for travel and recreation therapy? Sign me up!
If you are a Canadian recreation therapist hoping to one day work in America, then keep reading on The Recreation Therapists Guide to Getting a TN Visa.
What is the TN Visa?
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) the TN Visa allows individuals with professional designations, including Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists to seek temporary entry into the United States for work.
The awesome thing about the TN Visa is that it is relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain as compared to other visas. Pretty cool right?
The TN Visa is a non-immigrant classification, so it is temporary in nature. Three years to be exact.
If you want to continue working in the US after three years, you will need to reapply.
I am currently on my first TN Visa and haven’t experienced the reapplication process yet. Everything I have read seems to ensure that if you can still prove your intent to return to Canada, you should have no issues renewing.
Am I eligible for a TN Visa?
As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) you are eligible for the TN Visa.
So be stoked that you spent all that time in school, completed your internship and wrote your exam, because your CTRS designation is your VIP pass to your next adventure.
Here is the list of approved professional eligible for the TN Visa. You will find Recreation Therapists under the Medical/Allied Professionals sections.
How do I get a job offer?
This is pretty important – you need to have a job offer to be eligible for the TN Visa.
Some organizations may not be willing to hire internationally, so it is best to get your Canadian nationality on the table as to not waste anyone’s precious time.
But Meagan, how do I get an American company to hire an international applicant?
Listen – I get it!
You don’t want to be ruled out of the interview process due to your nationality right?
I had the same fears.
In my experience, it is always best to be upfront. Also, if you have a thick east coast Canadian accent (like this kid does), they are going to figure it out anyways.
I have interviewed, been offered, and accepted two different job offers for CTRS positions in the US.
Both times I told the interviewer that I was Canadian prior to the interview.
Honesty is the best policy.
What should I prepare for my TN Visa application?
Sweet! You found an American employer who loved your experience, passion and hopefully your accent.
Now that you have the job offer, it’s time to prepare your TN Visa Application.
Here is your TN Visa application to do list:
Job Offer letter
- This should be prepared by the Company/Business
- Needs to include the start and end date of your working period (3 years max.)
- A detailed breakdown of the job duties
- Salary information
- Your background (i.e work experience, educational qualifications, etc.)
Company Information Document
- This letter provides detailed information about your company including; who they serve, where they are located, how many employees they have, etc.
Proof of CTRS Certification
- You can use your CTRS certificate issued by NCTRC
Proof of Education
- Your transcript and/or diploma will work
Recent Job Descriptions
- I collected information on my three most recent jobs and included reference letters (because I’m extra)
Current Resume and Cover Letter
- I the cover letter and resume that I had applied to the job with
Proof of Canadian Citizenship
- Ensure your passport does not expire during the length of TN Visa. I got myself the 10-year passport just in case ?
Intent to Return to Canada
- You need to prove that you are intending to eventually return to Canada. I brought banking information including RRSPs and other investments. If you have property or any other investments they would be worthwhile showing.
TN Visa Application Processing Fee
- $56.00 (USD)
How do I apply for a TN Visa?
Once you have the job and all your documents together, its time to apply for the TN Visa. You have two options of how you can go about doing this.
Option #1 – Port of Entry Application
As crazy as this sounds, you can apply for the TN Visa the day you plan to travel.
I flew out of the Halifax airport, which I thought would be awesome because it was so small, but I showed up two hours before the customs office even opened. I ended up waiting a while despite my best efforts.
Here is a list of the recommended Ports of Entry.
When you arrive at customs, explain that you will be applying for a TN Visa.
They will take you to a secondary screening area where you will meet with a customs agent and defend (yes, I will use the word defend because that’s what it felt like) your application for the TN Visa.
- Why did I want the job?
- What does the company do?
- Why was I the best candidate?
- When will I return to Canada?
- What is a Recreation Therapist? Insert Recreation Therapy Elevator Pitch 🙂
Option # 2 – Form I-129
Alternatively, a prospective TN employer may choose to file on behalf of a Canadian citizen who is outside the United States by submitting Form I-129 to USCIS.
I don’t know much about this option, but from my research, it appears to be more expensive and a longer waiting period.
I would suggest doing your research to see which of the two application routes works the best for you.
Additional Considerations
- The TN visa is good for 3 years. If you wish to continue it past the 3 years, you will need to reapply, however, if you must continue to show your intention of returning to Canada.
- I would recommend arriving at least 3 hours before your flight. I was there five hours early… but I’m scarred from missing flights in the past…I “home alone” it in the airport way too often.
- Finally, you want to dress for the application like you would dress for a job interview. I am used to flying very casually dressed. For my application, I went a little more professional. It was less comfortable, but I felt like a boss walking through the airport looking like I was flying to a very important business meeting.
Bottom Line:
If there is an itch in your soul to shake up your life and go experience something new, I would encourage you to follow that calling.
The growth you receive from traveling and going outside of your comfort zone is like the Mastercard ad says, priceless.
It can’t promise it will be easy, but it will be worth it.
Are you currently on a TN Visa and have additional advice? Do you plan to apply for the TN Visa one day? Share with the community in the comments below 🙂
Here are a few additional resources I found helpful:
- https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-TN-Visa-to-Work-in-the-United-States
- https://www.visaplace.com/blog-immigration-law/tn-visa/tn-visa-8-steps/
