CSU has a long-standing tradition of welcoming international employees to engage in the teaching, research and service missions of the university.  We look forward to working with you as you prepare for your arrival to CSU and throughout your scholarly work here.

E-3 Information

E-3 Australian Specialty Occupation Workers

The E-3 category allows aliens who are nationals of the Commonwealth of Australia to come to the United States to perform services in a “specialty occupation.”  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines an E-3 occupation as a “specialty occupation” which requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and the attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.  At Colorado State University, E-3 workers typically fill research or teaching positions.  Consult with ISSS if you have questions about appropriate visa options for a particular situation.

TN Information

TN Professionals under NAFTA-USMCA

The TN (Trade NAFTA) category was developed as part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), to facilitate the entry of Canadian and Mexican citizens to the United States to engage in professional business activities on a temporary basis. The TN category allows for admission of individuals for the purposes of:

  • Working for a U.S. employer as a professional; or
  • Working for a foreign employer (including even a non-Canadian or non-Mexican employer) to provide pre-arranged professional services to a U.S. employer.

Only occupations specified in NAFTA Appendix 1603.D.1 to Annex 1603/USMCA Chapter 16 Appendix 2 Professionals can serve as the basis for TN employment. The appendix also stipulates the minimum qualifications for entry into the U.S. in each occupation.  List of TN occupations under NAFTA-USMCA (PDF in TN folder on U drive)

To obtain TN status, entry has to be to the “United States,” which for TN purposes includes the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. TN status is not available for services to be performed in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, or the United States Virgin Islands.

At Colorado State University, TN workers typically fill research, teaching, or clinical positions.  Consult with ISSS if you have questions about appropriate visa options for a particular situation.