TN Visa For Computer Systems Analyst
The general consensus is Canadians, Americans and Mexicans can easily obtain TN nonimmigrant status. However, there are hurdles that applicants must be aware of and stay clear of when applying for highly scrutinized occupations like computer systems analyst.
Who is a Computer Systems Analyst according to NAFTA?
USMCA (NAFTA) defines a computer systems analyst as an information specialist who analyzes how data processing can be applied to the specific needs of users and who designs and implements computer-based processing systems.
Systems analysts investigate an organization’s information needs and create computer systems to satisfy those needs. The TN category has not been broadened to include programmers, despite the fact that the systems analyst will conduct some programming.
Challenges with the Computer Systems Analyst Job
1. Misunderstanding TN Computer Systems Analyst Job Description
The most common challenge is the misunderstanding of the job description as stated under USMCA (NAFTA). Most people confuse computer systems analyst with computer programmer or programmer analyst.
Although the US Department Of Labor in their Occupational Outlook Handbook recognizes that computer systems analysts do some computer programmer assignments, a computer programmer is not listed as an eligible occupation for TN Visa application under NAFTA (USMCA).
The INS NAFTA Handbook, pg. 136 states the computer systems analyst category does not include programmers. Computer systems analysts are seen as information specialists and programming is just one tool that a computer systems analyst may leverage.
If the job duties for the position that you are seeking are limited to programming, it becomes more difficult or even impossible to make a case for TN visa approval as a Computer Systems Analyst. However, that shouldn’t be the end for you. You can work with a TN Visa Expert to see what can be done in your situation.
2. Visa denial for the mention of ‘programmer’
Problems that arise when the border inspectors realize any mention of a ‘programmer’ in your letters is that some of them disregard your case and assume that you are a programmer. This is their favorite target for TN visa denial and there are cases where people have been denied even if the job duties go beyond programming. Therefore, you need to be careful with any mention of the word ‘programmer’ when writing your TN visa application letter.
Download TN Visa Expert Kit – Platinum Edition to learn more about how to avoid this, use the provided sample letters to write a successful application that improves your chances of approval.If your job duties match the descriptions of Computer Systems Analyst under USMCA (NAFTA), it would be wise to reassess and make changes where possible to ensure your job title matches the description. You can easily achieve this with the help of the TN Visa Expert Kit.
If you get denied for ‘Programmer’, you can still qualify for Computer Systems Analyst, but it will require support. Contact us with your situation and inform us what happened at the border and the reason the officer provided when they denied you.
3. Other Job Titles that cause problems
Programmer and Software Developer are among IT-related jobs that cause a lot of confusion for TN visa applicants. This confusion appears because programmers and software developers, although their responsibilities can be performed by computer systems analysts, their roles are seen mainly as programming which does not qualify for a TN visa under NAFTA professional classification.
Software or Hardware Engineer Applicants for this TN classification can meet the educational requirement by holding a bachelor’s degree in engineering. So, if you hold a degree in software engineering, it is better to apply as an engineer rather than a computer systems analyst. If you don’t have an Engineering degree, using “Engineer” in the job title, such as “Software Engineer” can be problematic as well.
Download the TN Visa Expert Kit – Platinum Edition to learn more about how to avoid this. Read the section about what to do when your Job Title doesn’t match the USMCA (NAFTA) Occupation
Requirements for Computer Systems Analyst Category
Education or/and experience requirement
As we mentioned earlier, the TN visa computer systems analyst position was solely available for bachelor’s degree holders. However, after the 1991 proposals, alternative credentials for qualification were included.
An eligible applicant for the computer systems analyst TN visa must have at least:
- Bachelor’s degree;
- Licenciatura degree;
- Post-Secondary diploma and three years of experience;
- Post Secondary certificate and three years of experience.
Note: Post-Secondary diploma credentials are the credentials issued by an accredited academic institution in Canada or the United States for the completion of two or more years of post-secondary education.
A Post-Secondary certificate is a certificate issued by the federal government of Mexico or a Mexican state government. It can also be issued by an academic institution recognized by the federal government or a state government or an academic institution created by federal or state law.
TN Visa computer systems analyst job duties are:
- Collect data and information from managers in order to create the most efficient system that will adapt to the organization’s needs.
- Investigate and apply novel technologies.
- Prepare a budget and financial analysis.
- Create innovative systems using data analysis.
- Enhance the computer system’s functionality.
- Before making the new computer system available to the employer and users, test it.
- Create and distribute instruction manuals to new system users.
It is vital to understand the duties of a Computer Systems Analyst under the USMCA (NAFTA) so you can draft your application letter accordingly and show how you and the position qualify for TN status.
The TN Visa Expert Kit – Platinum Edition contains a perfect guide for this. Also, there is a special section for programmers and software developers.
Required Documents to Apply as a TN Visa Computer Systems Analyst
- A copy of your passport or birth certificate to prove your Canadian or Mexican citizenship.
- Evidence of qualification (Degree/Diploma/Certificate or proof of experience).
- An offer of employment from a prospective U.S. employer stating the need to fill the position and the reason for endorsing a foreign applicant for that position.
- Documentation declaring nonimmigrant intent—TN Status offers applicants up to three years of permit working as part-time or full-time employees of a US company (not as self-employed) with the possibility of extension. It is needed to prove that you have no intention of becoming a permanent resident of the US, otherwise your TN status may be denied.
Download a Computer Systems Analyst Sample letter
The TN Visa Expert Kit – Platinum Edition provides you a several sample of Computer Systems Analyst Application Letters so you can easily create your application.
A well-drafted application letter can be the main factor setting you apart from TN visa applicants who get denied for a Computer Systems Analyst TN Visa versus one that is quickly approved.
The TN Visa Kit contains everything you need to successfully apply and get yourself approved. Also, the Kit will guide you on what to do if your employer refuses to change your job title, or if your job title cannot be easily changed.
Whether it is your first time TN status application or a renewal, TN Visa Expert Kit – Platinum Edition guarantees your success. TN Visa applicants have used it for over 18 years to get their TN Visas for a wide range of USMCA occupations. Over 20,000 successful applicants have obtained their TN Visa using the TN Visa Expert Kit.
What to expect from the TN Visa Expert Kit – Platinum Edtion:
- A checklist of vital support documents needed for a computer systems analyst’s application.
- Sample letters for computer systems analysts you can use as a reference to create your own.
- Step-by-step instructions for drafting your own TN visa application letter and employed letter.
- Tips for avoiding common mistakes made by TN visa applicants.
- Common Interview questions asked by Officers at the border interviews.
- What to say and what not to say at the border interview
- Recommended TN visa Ports of entry.
- Special section for Nurses regarding VisaScreen, NCLEX-RN exam and CGFNS certificate
- How to renew your TN visa and more…
The TN Visa Expert Kit also contains detailed information on how to get the TD visas for your spouses and children. This allows them to stay in the US during your period as a TN status holder but they are not eligible for employment.
Similar Job titles for the Computer Systems Analyst Job
A Computer Systems Analyst is in the official USMCA (NAFTA) Occupation Job List for TN visa applicants to apply for. Similar common job title as Computer Systems Analyst may include:
- Actuaries
- Architects
- Computer Systems Hardware Analyst
- Database Administrators and Database Analysts
- Devops
- IT Manager
- Management Analyst
- Systems Analyst
- Software Analyst
- Technical Program Manager
These job titles may not be in the NAFTA(USMCA) list of occupations, but the duties performed can be shown to be consistent with the Computer Systems Analyst category.
What to Do when you are Unsure if you Qualify or how to Qualify
If you are unsure of how to proceed because of your unique situation, we always recommend speaking to one of our specialists or a lawyer. Contact us regarding your situation and we will be happy to assist you.
Conclusion
TN visa for computer analyst is among the occupational jobs under NAFTA that most applicants find challenging. However, with the right approach and some expert help, any qualified applicant can be sure of TN visa approval for this category.
The first factor to consider is whether the prospective job duties are consistent with the job duties performed by computer systems analysts in the field.
This is exactly where the TN Visa Expert comes in with the TN Visa Expert Kit – Platinum Edition to make your computer systems analyst TN visa application seamless.
Want more Support? You can contact an experienced lawyer or consult with Jacob Sapochnick to strategize on your TN visa computer systems analyst application.
Author Jacob Sapochnick serves as the Managing Partner/CEO of a prominent law firm that focuses on immigration law. Boasting an extensive legal background spanning over a decade, he adeptly merges his enthusiasm for law with cutting-edge technology to aid clients worldwide in their journey to immigrate to the United States.