TN Visa - Computer Systems Analyst
NAFTA Requirements for TN as a Computer Systems Analyst.
To qualify for TN status under NAFTA as a Computer Systems Analyst, an applicant must possess one of the following:
1. Bachelor’s (Baccalaureate) degree;
2. Licenciatura Degree;
3. Post-Secondary Diploma and three years of experience; or
4. Post Secondary Certificate and three years of 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.
NAFTA Handbook Description
The legacy INS Manual for NAFTA applications defines a 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. NAFTA Handbook (November 1999). A computer systems analyst studies an organization or business to identify its information needs and designs computer systems to meet those needs.
The NAFTA Handbook specifically excludes computer programmers from the computer systems analyst TN category. NAFTA Handbook (November 1999). However, U.S. immigration officials have retreated some what from this outright exclusion and now realize that a Computer Systems Analyst may undertake a limited amount of computer programming.
Occupational Outlook Handbook Guidance.
A TN applicant’s prospective job duties for this category must be consistent with the job duties generally performed by Computer Systems Analysts 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, Computer Systems Analysts solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meet the individual needs of an organization. They help an organization to realize the maximum benefit from its investment in equipment, personnel, and business processes. Systems analysts plan and develop new computer systems or devise ways to apply existing systems’ resources to additional operations. Most Computer Systems Analysts work with specific types of systems such as business, accounting, or financial systems, or scientific and engineering systems.
Computer Systems Analysts define the goals of the system and divide the solutions into individual steps and separate procedures. Systems analysts use techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, information engineering, mathematical model building, sampling, and cost accounting to plan the system. They also may prepare cost-benefit and return-on-investment analyses to help management decide whether implementing the proposed technology will be financially feasible.
When a system is accepted, a computer systems analyst determines what computer hardware and software will be needed to set the system up. The systems analyst may coordinate tests and observe the initial use of the system to ensure that it performs as planned. Their work also involves the preparation of system specifications, flow charts, and process diagrams for computer programmers to follow. They work with programmers to “debug,” or eliminate, errors from the system.
Systems analysts who do more in-depth testing of products may be referred to as software quality assurance analysts. In addition to running tests, these individuals diagnose problems, recommend solutions, and determine whether program requirements have been met.
Many employers seek systems analysts who have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS). MIS programs usually are part of the business school or college and differ considerably from computer science programs, emphasizing business and management-oriented course work and business computing courses. Employers are increasingly seeking individuals with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), with a concentration in information systems, as more firms move their business to the Internet.
Additional Materials:
References:
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NAFTA Handbook (November 1999).
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OOH, Computer Systems Analysts (2008-09).
Revised July 11, 2008.