An essential part of the travel nursing process is getting your TN Visa and Social Security Number (SSN). This article will outline everything you need to know about these two crucial steps to being employed as a travel nurse in the US as a Canadian.
You can only apply for your TN Visa and SSN once you have a signed contract with your agency for a travel nurse position.
TN Visa
To start working as a travel nurse, you need to be granted a TN Visa. A TN Visa allows Canadians to work in the US under the NAFTA agreement for professionals.
Your travel nurse agency will issue you an official letter asking the US Department of Homeland Security NAFTA Officer to grant you TN Visa Status in the US. The letter is only a request. The NAFTA Officer will review your professional documents during your appointment and issue you a TN Visa Status. The length of time will depend on what your travel agency has requested. Often times they will only grant you 13 weeks-you will then b required to return to a border to renew your Visa if you are to continue working in the US.
It is important to bring the following documents:
These are all the items I provided when I requested my first TN Visa back in December 2021 at the Buffalo/Niagara border.
- Passport
- Official TN Visa request letter from your travel agency. You will be mailed an original signed letter, a copy will not be accepted.
- CGFNS Visa Screen Certificate (original document with notary seal)
- Original University/College Diploma of your Nursing Degree
- COVID Vaccination Proof
Extra items to bring that they may ask for:
- Birth Certificate
- Physical School Transcripts
- Current Resume
- Contract with your travel agency
After the Officer reviews all your documents, they will take your fingerprints and photos. The cost of the TN Visa is $50 USD.
Airport borders do not require appointments but some land borders do. If you plan to go to a land border (such as Peace Bridge or Rainbow Bridge), I recommend calling the border office to confirm if an appointment is required and their operating hours for issuing TN Visas.
If you plan on going through an airport border, you can only do so if you fly into the US. You must go to the airport on an actual flight and do not need to worry about an appointment. After security you will be directed to Secondary Assessment to speak to an agent there.
NAFTA Rules states you cannot make an appointment for your TN Visa more than 10 days out from your assignment start date. However, it is best to contact the border you are planning on visiting directly as they may be more flexible with dates.
You can find all information about TN Visa’s and the NAFTA Agreement here:
Social Security Number (SSN)
I like to combine these two tasks since it is best to get them done on the same day. If you are going to a land border for your TN Visa, find the nearest SSN office to apply. An appointment was required during peak pandemic times (when I went to get my SSN). These days you can just walk into an office to get it done. You can always call the office you plan on visiting to confirm.
You need a TN Visa to apply for your SSN, so get that done before entering the office to apply.
Hospitals will require your SSN as part of your on-boarding, and you cannot start working until you have this number. Keep in mind that your number will not be given to you at your appointment. After your appointment, your card will processed and mailed to your home in Canada. You may request to mail to the US address you will be living at during your assignment. However, when I asked for this, they stated I could only use my permanent address in Canada.
Getting the card in the mail can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks. You should verify the processing times with the employee during your appointment.
To obtain the number sooner, you can return to an SSN office the following days (by crossing the border again) and request your number in person for employment purposes.
Fill out the application and bring your printed and signed copy with you to your appointment.
Documents to bring for your SSN
Immigration status and Work eligibility: Passport with TN Visa Stamp
Your completed SSN application
Below are all the documents outlined by SSN.
During my appointment I had all TN Visa documents with me. I was asked for the above two pieces of information only.
I received my SSN card in about four weeks as I was applying during Christmas in December 2021. I have seen people receive their cards normally within 1-2 weeks.
A tip my recruiter let me know is that I would not need my TN Visa for my SSN appointment. Instead, I could show my signed contract of employment. So, If I wanted to apply for my SSN earlier than ten days before my start date, I could go without having my TN visa and potentially receive my. SSN.
I cannot say if this would work, as I got my TN Visa and drove to the SSN office directly after. However, some facilities may push to get your SSN sooner. In this case, your recruiter may ask you to go sooner than ten days before.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are considering making the great leap into Travel Nursing in the US, The Guide to Becoming a Travel Nurse provides insight and answers many questions. We will be updating this guide frequently with new information and links often. The information we provide is purely from our personal experiences and what we have learnt along the way.
You can also reach out to us in the contact section by sending us an email or leave a comment below with any questions about the process. We are happy to help anyone get started!
My name is Marta, I’m a pediatric emergency room nurse from Toronto travelling in the US. I have taken assignments most recently in Boston and Denver. I travel with my husband who is a travel points enthusiast and manages to find amazing deals using points to fulfill all of our travel bucket-list goals. Join us on our next adventure after 13 weeks!