TN Visa - Graphic Designer.
NAFTA Requirements for TN as a Graphic Designer.
To qualify for TN visa status under NAFTA as a Graphic Designer, an applicant must possess one of the following:
1. A Bachelor’s (Baccalaureate) degree;
2. Licenciatura Degree;
3. Post-Secondary Diploma and three years experience; or a
4. Post-Secondary Certificate and three years experience.
See 8 C.F.R. § 214.6 (c).
A “Post Secondary Diploma” is defined as “a credential issued, on completion of two or more years of post secondary education, by an accredited academic institution in Canada or the United States.” 8 C.F.R. § 214.6 (c) n.3.
A “Post Secondary Certificate” is defined as “a certificate issued, on completion of two or more years of post secondary education at an academic institution, by the federal government of Mexico or a state government in Mexico, an academic institution recognized by the federal government or a state government, or an academic institution created by federal or state law.” 8 C.F.R. § 214.6 (c) n.4.
Occupational Outlook Handbook Guidance – Job Duties.
A TN applicant’s prospective job duties for this category must be consistent with the job duties generally performed by Graphic Designers in the field. Inspecting officers will look to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (“OOH”), a manual published by the Department of Labor, for insight on the duties normally required of professionals in a particular profession.
According to the OOH, Graphic Designers plan, analyze, and create visual solutions to communications problems. Graphic Designers decide the most effective way of presenting a message across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. As part of their job duties, Graphic designers develop the overall layout and production design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. They also produce promotional displays, packaging, and marketing brochures for products and services, design distinctive logos for products and businesses, and develop signs and signage systems—called environmental graphics—for business and government. An increasing number of graphic designers also are developing material for Internet Web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects.
Occupational Outlook Handbook Guidance – Training and Qualifications.
The OOH provides that a bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions. In addition to postsecondary training in graphic design, creativity, and communication and problem-solving skills are crucial. Graphic designers also need to be familiar with computer graphics and design software.
Certain Bachelor’s of fine arts degrees may also qualify an individual for a TN as a Graphic Designer. In addition to design courses, a liberal arts education or a program that includes courses in art history, writing, psychology, sociology, foreign languages and cultural studies, marketing, and business are useful in helping designers work effectively with the content of their work. Graphic designers must effectively communicate complex subjects to a variety of audiences. Increasingly, clients rely on graphic designers to develop the content and the context of the message in addition to performing technical layout work.
Associate degrees and certificates in graphic design also are available from 2- and 3-year professional schools. These programs usually focus on the technical aspects of graphic design and include very few liberal arts courses. Graduates of 2-year programs normally qualify as assistants to graphic designers or for positions requiring technical skills only. Individuals who wish to pursue a career in graphic design—and who already possess a bachelor’s degree in another field—can complete a 2-year or 3-year program in graphic design to learn the technical requirements.
Occupational Outlook Handbook Guidance – Industries Employing Graphic Designers.
Most Graphic Designers work in specialized design services; advertising and related services; printing and related support activities; or newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers. Other graphic designers produced computer graphics for computer systems design firms or motion picture production firms. A small number of designers also worked in engineering services or for management, scientific, and technical consulting firms.
Graphic Designers will also find work within the expanding market for Web-based information and the video entertainment market, including television, movies, video, and made-for-Internet outlets. Graphic designers with Web site design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand for design projects increase for interactive media such as Web sites, video games, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other technology.
Approximately 3 out of 10 designers are self-employed and many perform freelance work on a full time or part time basis.
Additional Materials:
References:
- OOH, Graphic Designers (2008-09).
Revised July 11, 2008.