TN Visa International Trade Compliance Jobs
International Trade Compliance roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA for Canadian and Mexican professionals with degrees in law, business, or a related field. Employers file directly with CBP at the border or via USCIS, with no lottery and no annual cap for Canadians.
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The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AAEC) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) invites applications for a tenure-track position in agricultural markets, trade, and rural development policy. This is a 9-month, academic-year appointment, with expectations to fund summer activities through external grants or other mechanisms. The specific appointment is 50 percent research and 50 percent Extension.
The successful candidate will maintain a visible, nationally recognized, externally funded applied research and Extension program in agricultural markets, trade, and rural development policy analysis, with a particular focus on distilling and successfully communicating the impacts of proposed policies and market changes to stakeholders across the Commonwealth of Virginia. International engagement and recognition are encouraged and expected as the candidate’s career advances. The successful candidate is expected to collaborate with colleagues in AAEC, the Center for Agricultural Trade, and other departments in CALS to develop effective Extension and applied research programs that integrate market, policy, and trade analysis into existing efforts on local food systems and rural development initiatives. This position will also work closely with Extension agents, specialists, and field staff to develop effective and visible programs. By collaborating with others in the department, CALS, across campus and beyond, the successful candidate will serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary activity, bridging the technical rigor of quantitative analysis with the practical, applied focus of Extension work needed to address the market, trade, and policy impacts confronting rural communities in Virginia. Through dissemination of trade and policy impacts, this position will enhance communication and public policy outreach efforts in CALS that foster economic growth and resilience in our rural communities.
As a priority to develop and foster new partnerships and leverage existing ones across campus and the commonwealth, the candidate is expected to build partnerships with stakeholders (e.g. government, industry, nonprofits, etc.), producer groups, agricultural lenders, supply chain businesses, and others. The position will also enhance communication to raise awareness of CALS engagement in the communities we serve. There is an expectation of excellence in grantsmanship, timely communication of research findings through publication in peer-reviewed journal articles and extension outlets, and mentoring students. This position requires occasional travel for meetings and conferences.
The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics is a growing unit with approximately 250 undergraduate students, 45 graduate students, and 27 faculty members. The department offers unique opportunities to develop applied research and outreach programs that have meaningful impacts on decision-makers. The department offers undergraduate programs in agribusiness and applied economic management, an online and in-person Master’s program, and a joint Ph.D. with the Department of Economics. The department collaborates closely with other units within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as with various units on campus.
The Department is located in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which has about 2,600 undergraduate students and 600 graduate students across 10 academic units. The Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and Virginia Cooperative Extension, within the college, deliver research-based information to the Commonwealth of Virginia through county/city extension offices, 4-H educational centers, and Agricultural Research and Extension Centers.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Agribusiness, Regional Science, or a closely related discipline by appointment start date.
- Demonstrated ability (or potential) for publishing peer-reviewed research, Extension, and teaching materials.
- Skills in and experience applying regional economic and international trade models in conducting economic analysis.
- Demonstrated ability (or potential) in communicating and synthesizing complex economic analyses to a wide range of audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing and delivering economic-based educational programs to extension agents, business managers, industry groups, public agency personnel, and stakeholders.
- Experience applying for grants or other funding for programmatic support, including running fee-based workshops, and/or establishing novel sources of external funding to support integrated research or Extension programs.
- Experience working with clientele such as industry partners, commodity groups, and government agencies.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$85,000 - $110,000; commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40; M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Review Date
11/29/2026
Additional Information
Application packets should include:
a. A formal cover letter summarizing qualifications,
b. a statement describing Research and Extension philosophy (2-pg max),
d. a current curriculum vitae, and
e. the names and contact information of three professional references who can assess the applicant’s qualifications for this position.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Jason Grant at jhgrant@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Job Description
The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics (AAEC) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) invites applications for a tenure-track position in agricultural markets, trade, and rural development policy. This is a 9-month, academic-year appointment, with expectations to fund summer activities through external grants or other mechanisms. The specific appointment is 50 percent research and 50 percent Extension.
The successful candidate will maintain a visible, nationally recognized, externally funded applied research and Extension program in agricultural markets, trade, and rural development policy analysis, with a particular focus on distilling and successfully communicating the impacts of proposed policies and market changes to stakeholders across the Commonwealth of Virginia. International engagement and recognition are encouraged and expected as the candidate’s career advances. The successful candidate is expected to collaborate with colleagues in AAEC, the Center for Agricultural Trade, and other departments in CALS to develop effective Extension and applied research programs that integrate market, policy, and trade analysis into existing efforts on local food systems and rural development initiatives. This position will also work closely with Extension agents, specialists, and field staff to develop effective and visible programs. By collaborating with others in the department, CALS, across campus and beyond, the successful candidate will serve as a catalyst for interdisciplinary activity, bridging the technical rigor of quantitative analysis with the practical, applied focus of Extension work needed to address the market, trade, and policy impacts confronting rural communities in Virginia. Through dissemination of trade and policy impacts, this position will enhance communication and public policy outreach efforts in CALS that foster economic growth and resilience in our rural communities.
As a priority to develop and foster new partnerships and leverage existing ones across campus and the commonwealth, the candidate is expected to build partnerships with stakeholders (e.g. government, industry, nonprofits, etc.), producer groups, agricultural lenders, supply chain businesses, and others. The position will also enhance communication to raise awareness of CALS engagement in the communities we serve. There is an expectation of excellence in grantsmanship, timely communication of research findings through publication in peer-reviewed journal articles and extension outlets, and mentoring students. This position requires occasional travel for meetings and conferences.
The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics is a growing unit with approximately 250 undergraduate students, 45 graduate students, and 27 faculty members. The department offers unique opportunities to develop applied research and outreach programs that have meaningful impacts on decision-makers. The department offers undergraduate programs in agribusiness and applied economic management, an online and in-person Master’s program, and a joint Ph.D. with the Department of Economics. The department collaborates closely with other units within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as with various units on campus.
The Department is located in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which has about 2,600 undergraduate students and 600 graduate students across 10 academic units. The Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and Virginia Cooperative Extension, within the college, deliver research-based information to the Commonwealth of Virginia through county/city extension offices, 4-H educational centers, and Agricultural Research and Extension Centers.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics, Applied Economics, Agribusiness, Regional Science, or a closely related discipline by appointment start date.
- Demonstrated ability (or potential) for publishing peer-reviewed research, Extension, and teaching materials.
- Skills in and experience applying regional economic and international trade models in conducting economic analysis.
- Demonstrated ability (or potential) in communicating and synthesizing complex economic analyses to a wide range of audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing and delivering economic-based educational programs to extension agents, business managers, industry groups, public agency personnel, and stakeholders.
- Experience applying for grants or other funding for programmatic support, including running fee-based workshops, and/or establishing novel sources of external funding to support integrated research or Extension programs.
- Experience working with clientele such as industry partners, commodity groups, and government agencies.
Overtime Status
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$85,000 - $110,000; commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40; M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Review Date
11/29/2026
Additional Information
Application packets should include:
a. A formal cover letter summarizing qualifications,
b. a statement describing Research and Extension philosophy (2-pg max),
d. a current curriculum vitae, and
e. the names and contact information of three professional references who can assess the applicant’s qualifications for this position.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Jason Grant at jhgrant@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new TN Visa International Trade Compliance Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship in International Trade Compliance
Align your credentials to TN categories
Trade compliance roles typically qualify under the Accountant or Lawyer/Notary TN visa category depending on your degree. Match your transcript and job offer letter to whichever category your actual credential supports, not the job title alone.
Target companies with active import/export operations
Manufacturers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, and multinationals with cross-border supply chains file far more trade compliance roles than domestic-only firms. Focus your search on industries where USMCA rules of origin compliance is a daily operational need.
Get your degree equivalency confirmed early
Mexican professionals with a licenciatura should obtain a credential evaluation before approaching employers. CBP officers have discretion at the border, and a NACES-member evaluation removes ambiguity about whether your degree meets the specialty occupation standard.
Search TN-ready employers through Migrate Mate
Not every employer knows TN sponsorship requires no I-129 petition for Canadians and a streamlined process for Mexicans. Use Migrate Mate to find employers already familiar with TN filings for compliance and legal roles.
Request a detailed support letter from your employer
Your employer's support letter must describe the trade compliance duties in terms that map to your qualifying TN category. Vague job descriptions citing only the title are a common reason CBP requests further evidence or denies entry.
Understand the Mexican TN allocation before accepting an offer
Mexico has a 5,500-per-year TN allocation under USMCA, processed by USCIS rather than CBP. Confirm with your employer that they'll file the I-129 petition well before your intended start date to avoid delays.
International Trade Compliance TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an International Trade Compliance role qualify for a TN visa?
It depends on how the role is classified and what degree you hold. Trade compliance positions typically qualify under the Accountant or Lawyer/Notary TN category. The job duties in the offer letter must align with the TN category your credential supports. A title of 'Trade Compliance Manager' alone is not sufficient without a degree-to-duties match that CBP will accept.
How does TN compare to H-1B for International Trade Compliance roles?
TN is faster and more predictable for this role. There is no lottery, no annual cap for Canadians, and Canadian citizens can get TN status at a port of entry the same day. H-1B visa requires entering a randomized lottery with a roughly 25% selection rate and a six-month wait. For trade compliance professionals with Canadian or Mexican citizenship, TN is almost always the faster path to authorized work.
Can Mexican trade compliance professionals use TN instead of H-1B?
Yes, but with one key difference. Mexicans must apply through USCIS by filing an I-129 petition rather than appearing at a port of entry like Canadians. The 5,500-per-year Mexican TN allocation has not historically been exhausted, but timing matters. File at least 90 days before your start date to account for USCIS processing times and avoid gaps between your offer and your authorized start date.
How do I find employers who will sponsor a TN visa for trade compliance jobs?
Search Migrate Mate to find employers with a track record of TN and work visa sponsorship for compliance and legal roles. Many trade compliance positions sit inside procurement, legal, or supply chain teams at mid-size and large multinationals, where cross-border operations make TN sponsorship a routine part of hiring. Filtering by sponsorship history saves significant time compared to applying broadly.
What documents does a trade compliance professional need at the port of entry for TN status?
Canadian applicants presenting at a port of entry need a valid passport, a job offer letter describing TN-qualifying duties and the employer's business, and proof of your qualifying degree such as transcripts or a diploma. If your role is classified under the Lawyer/Notary category, bar admission evidence is also required. CBP officers make the final determination, so your documents must clearly connect your credential to the duties described.