For many Canadian and Mexican Registered Nurses, the TN visa is one of the fastest pathways to start working in the United States. Compared to many other employment based visas, the TN visa process is often much quicker and more straightforward.
One of the most common questions nurses ask is:
“How long does the TN visa process actually take?”
The answer depends on several factors, including VisaScreen processing, how quickly documents are submitted, and state licensure requirements. While every situation is unique, most nurses can expect the full process to take approximately 3 to 6 months from job application to US start date.
At All Med Search, we help guide nurses through every step of the TN visa process, helping make the transition as smooth and stress free as possible.
What Is a TN Visa for Nurses?
The TN visa was created under the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly known as NAFTA. It allows qualified Canadian and Mexican professionals, including Registered Nurses, to work legally in the United States.
For nurses, the TN visa is popular because:
- Processing is often much faster than many other U.S. work visas
- There is no annual lottery/cap
- It can be renewed
- Canadian nurses can often apply directly at the border
- Many hospitals actively recruit TN visa nurses due to ongoing staffing shortages
Typical TN Visa Timeline for Nurses
While timelines vary, here is a general breakdown of what most nurses can expect.
Step 1: Interview and Job Offer
Estimated Time: 1 to 3 Weeks
The process typically begins with interviewing with a US hospital or healthcare employer. Once an offer is accepted, the employer prepares the required immigration support documentation.
Many direct hire employers also begin assisting with relocation planning, onboarding, and immigration guidance during this stage.
Step 2: VisaScreen Certificate
Estimated Time: 2-4 Months – Often the Longest Step
For most international nurses pursuing TN status, the VisaScreen certificate is typically completed before state licensure. The VisaScreen is federally required for nurses applying for TN status.
The VisaScreen process evaluates:
- Nursing education
- Licensure
- NCLEX completion
- English language proficiency exam
- English language proficiency exams are not needed if your nursing education was completed in: Australia, Barbados, Canada (except Quebec, the only schools approved for exemption are: McGill University, Dawson College, Vanier College, John Abbott College, and Heritage College), Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States
- Note: English language proficiency exam requirements vary from state to state and are required for licensure as well. We recommend checking the state requirements prior to booking your exam so you do not need to take two separate exams.
While the actual certificate issuance can sometimes be relatively quick once all documentation is received, collecting transcripts, license validations, and other primary source documents can significantly extend timelines.
This is often the longest step in the TN visa process.
Step 3: TN Visa Application
Estimated Time: Same Day to a Few Weeks
Once the nurse has their VisaScreen certificate and employer support documentation, they can move forward with the TN visa application.
Canadian nurses often apply directly at a US port of entry or airport pre-clearance location, where TN status may be approved the same day.
Mexican nurses typically apply through a US consulate, which may involve additional scheduling and processing time.
Required documents generally include:
- Valid Canadian or Mexican passport
- Job offer letter
- TN support letter
- VisaScreen certificate
- NCLEX proof
- Educational documents
After entering the United States in TN status, nurses can apply for and receive their Social Security Number at a local branch.
Step 4: State Nursing License and Final Onboarding
Estimated Time: Varies by State
Most states require a US Social Security Number before issuing a permanent nursing license. Because of this, many international nurses are unable to fully complete licensure until after obtaining TN status and entering the United States.
Some states may issue temporary authorization or allow portions of the licensing process to begin beforehand, while others require the Social Security Number before final license issuance.
Once the Social Security Number is received, nurses can finalize state licensure requirements, complete onboarding, and prepare for their official start date.
What Can Delay the TN Visa Process?
Several factors can slow the process down, including:
- Delays obtaining nursing transcripts
- Missing or incomplete documentation
- Delayed license verification from nursing boards
- Waiting on English exam scores
- VisaScreen document processing delays
- State board processing times
One of the best ways to help speed up the process is submitting all requested documents as early as possible.
Is the TN Visa Worth It for Nurses?
For many nurses, absolutely.
The TN visa offers:
- Faster processing than many immigration pathways
- Competitive US RN salaries
- Sign on bonuses and relocation assistance at many hospitals
- Career growth opportunities
- The ability to later pursue permanent residency through EB-3 Visa (US Green Card) sponsorship in some cases
Many nurses use the TN visa as their first step toward long term career opportunities in the United States.
While every nurse’s timeline is different, most TN visa nursing processes take approximately 3 to 6 months from initial application to U.S. start date.
The largest factors impacting processing time are usually:
- VisaScreen processing
- Document collection
- State licensing requirements
- Employer onboarding timelines
The good news is that with proper preparation and guidance, the TN visa process is often far more manageable than many nurses initially expect.
At All Med Search, we specialize in helping international nurses secure permanent direct hire nursing positions throughout the United States while guiding candidates throughout the TN visa process from start to finish.
If you are a Canadian or Mexican RN interested in working in the US, our team would be happy to help you explore your options.
Contact us today!
Marni@AllMedSearch.com | 858-414-6425