TN “Economist” Profession Clarified

USCIS has clarified that to qualify for TN nonimmigrant status as an “economist,” TN applicants must engage primarily in activities consistent with the profession of an economist – such as conducting research, preparing reports, or formulating plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. Most notably, USCIS’ definition of the economist occupation “specifically excludes the occupations market research analyst and marketing specialist.” Moving forward that means individuals who work primarily in other occupations related to the field of economics – such as financial analysts, marketing analysts, and market research analysts – will no longer be eligible for classification as a TN “economist.”