General Occupations

TN Visa: Range Manager / Range Conservationist

BACKGROUND OF TN VISA CATEGORY

The TN visa occupational category for Range Managers / Range Conservationists was first listed in the United States-Canada Free-Trade Agreement (FTA) in 1989. See 54 Federal Register 12 (Jan. 3, 1989). The predecessor to NAFTA, the FTA provided work authorization under TC visa status, which was only available to Canadian citizens. The occupational category for Range Managers / Range Conservationists was carried over and included in the NAFTA list of available occupations in 1994. See 58 FR 69205 (Dec. 30, 1993).
 

TN VISA APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for TN visa status under the occupational category for Range Managers / Range Conservationists, an individual must possess one of the following:

  • Bachelor’s (Baccalaureate) degree; or
  • Licenciatura Degree.

The regulations governing TN visa status generally do not provide any guidance on the type of degrees or majors suitable for a particular TN occupational category. The NAFTA Handbook does state that a degree in Forestry or a related field is required for this occupation. To determine the types of related degrees suitable for Range Managers / Range Conservationists for purposes of a TN visa, we may refer to U.S. Department of Labor publications such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). See Royal Siam Corp. v. Chertoff, 484 F.3d 139, 145 (1st Cir. 2007).

Read more about the TN visa degree requirements.

TN VISA JOB DUTIES REQUIREMENTS

The TN visa regulations do not specifically define the types of Range Manager / Range Conservationist positions or job duties that are permissible under this TN category. The NAFTA Handbook states that Range Managers "manage, improve, and protect rangelands to maximize their use without damaging the environment." Like the degree requirement, individuals should also refer to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) for guidance on the generally accepted job duties for this occupation.

Read more about TN visa job duties.

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