TN Visa Planner Jobs
Planner roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's Urban and Regional Planner category, covering land use, transportation, environmental, and community development positions. Canadian citizens can apply at the port of entry without a cap; Mexican citizens need a U.S. consular appointment. A bachelor's degree in urban planning or a related field is required.
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WHO WE ARE
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What We Offer:
Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits - We care about your well-being.
The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
Equal Access to Civil Service Testing
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelations
The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodation for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at 215-686-2350 or by email at janine.labletta@phila.gov. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant and OHR. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.
Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.
For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov
Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:
- work.phila.gov
- https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-human-resources/jobs/civil-service-faqs/
- www.facebook.com/PhilaOHR
- www.twitter.com/PhilaOHR
- www.youtube.com/@PhilaOHR
- www.linkedin.com/showcase/philahr
General Definition
This is planning work at the full performance level in the area of specialty. Work involves conducting detailed research and analysis and making planning recommendations. This class differs from the next lower-level class in the series in the responsibility for planning and in the complexity of the elements of large projects or smaller self-contained projects, which require the exercise of a high degree of independent judgment. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher-level city planner.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is April Graham
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone: 215-686-2342
Fax: 215-686-0861
Email: april.graham@phila.gov
For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov
Notes to Applicants and Projected Exam Information
ELIGIBLE LIST: OPEN-COMPETITIVE
Only an Open-Competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.
Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.
RESIDENCY WAIVER
The Civil Service Commission has waived the usual requirement that candidates must be residents of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment. Establishment of residency in Philadelphia will be required no later than one (1) year after appointment.
PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other people receiving an identical test score.
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence on this application. This response will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.
If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.
INDEBTEDNESS NOTICE
As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person’s gross pay for such period, without the person’s consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.
Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW.
Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.
PREFERENCE POINTS FOR CANDIDATES FOR OPEN-COMPETITIVE EXAMS
Candidates who pass Open-Competitive exams may be eligible for additional points added to their final score. Preference Points may be claimed from the time of application until 30 days after the eligible list is established. The required documentation for the preference must be provided to receive the points.
U.S. VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
Ten points will be added to the scores of eligible veterans. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Attach a DD214, member 4, or NGB-22 to your application if you wish your eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered. Veteran’s Points may be claimed at any time before the list expires.
LEGACY PREFERENCE
Ten points will be added to the scores of the children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE
Up to 5 points will be added to the score of any candidate who has:
- Successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA are eligible for additional points
For Peace Corps, such candidates will be awarded five (5) points for the completion of a two-year term of service or three (3) points for the completion of a one-year term of service.
- Successfully completed at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).
Such candidates will have:
- 1 point added to their final score if they have completed 450 Hours of the above service.
- 2 points added to their final score if they have completed 675 Hours of the above service.
- 3 points added to their final score if they have completed 900 Hours of the above service.
- 5 points added to their final score if they have completed 1700 Hours of the above service.
PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PREFERENCE
Up to 5 points will be added to the score of candidates who have completed and graduated from a career technical education (CTE) program of the School District of Philadelphia within the last three years before the examination announcement date. If the 5 additional points from the CTE preference would rank a CTE graduate above a veteran, additional points shall be applied to the CTE candidate’s passing score to rank them directly below the veteran.
IF AN ORAL EXAM IS HELD:
PROJECTED EXAM DATE:
This examination will be scheduled for July 22, 2026. Please note that this examination date is subject to change.
Candidates will need access to a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam and internet access to take the examination. Candidates taking an oral examination may have their responses rated by a panel of Subject Matter Experts on the date of the examination, or have their responses recorded and rated by Subject Matter Experts at a later date. If you do not have access to a desktop computer or laptop with a webcam and internet access, please contact the analyst listed on this announcement and alternative arrangements will be made for you to take this examination.
IF A TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IS HELD:
Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.
Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.
An Eligible List will be established the week of August 3, 2026. Please note that this date may change.
TEST REVIEW:
IF AN ORAL EXAM IS HELD:
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091B, candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file appeals. In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.11, only candidates who have failed the oral examination may appeal to the Civil Service Commission upon the grounds of irregularity, bias, or fraud in the conduct of the oral test. Issues related to the suitability or adequacy of point scores awarded to passers are not appealable to the Commission. Call 215-686-0880 if you wish to schedule a Test Review.
IF A TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IS HELD:
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.
Level of Education Required
College
Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience
ANTICIPATED ELIGIBILITY
Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within 3 months of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.
1. EDUCATION:
Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university in a planning related field*
AND
2. GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
GENERAL SPECIALTY
Two years of technical city planning experience in the area of assignment.
OR
Two years of community engagement experience performing strategic development and design, project management or facilitating process improvements for underrepresented or underdeveloped communities or community groups.
NOTE: Completion of a two-year master's degree program from an accredited college or university in architecture, urban design, or landscape architecture meets all requirements for the urban design specialty or in any planning-related field* for the general specialty.
NOTE: Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners meets the education and experience requirements for both specialties.* Qualifying fields related to city planning include: city planning, community planning, urban planning, regional planning, transportation planning, transportation design, community development, environmental design, geography, urban studies, architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, historic preservation, sustainability, public administration or policy OR for the Environmental Planning Assignment engineering or applied science including or supplemented by coursework in environmental science or ecology.
NOTE: Selective Factor Certification may be utilized, as needed, to fill specific positions. In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 11.032 - Selective Factor Certification – the appointing authority may request certification of eligible candidates with one or more of the required degrees or specific experience to fill specific positions in this class. Certification to fill such position will be made from of the highest-ranking eligible candidates in accordance with the certification rule on the eligible list who possess the specified degree and/or experience.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
TRANSCRIPT, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Candidates MUST submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s) indicating completion of the educational requirement and all required licenses, registrations or certifications at the time of application. Transcripts MUST indicate conference of the appropriate degree. Candidates with a degree from foreign colleges or universities must submit proof of degree as certified by a professional evaluation service.
Candidates MUST submit a copy of their license, registration or certification.
If you have ever submitted a paper transcript, license, registration or certification for any City of Philadelphia civil service examination, you must submit another document.
Option 1 - Upload a paperless transcript, license, registration or certification – One time only!
You may upload documents into your account and attach a document with this application. Once the document is uploaded to your account, it may be attached to all future applications. Attaching your document will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future, and you will be assured that your transcript cannot be misplaced.
Your documents should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. They cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.
Option 2 – Submit a paper transcript, license, registration or certification – Separate document required for each application
If you submit a paper copy of a transcript, license, registration or certification, the document will be used for this application only. You will have to submit documents again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Paper documents will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.
Mailing address for paper transcript and other required materials:
April Graham
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone: 215-686-2342
Fax: 215-686-0861
Email: april.graham@phila.gov
See all 31+ TN Visa Planner Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a Planner
Verify your degree meets specialty requirements
TN visa sponsorship for Planner roles requires a degree in urban planning, regional planning, or a closely related field like geography or environmental studies. A general business or public administration degree alone won't satisfy CBP's specialty occupation standard for this category.
Target employers with active land use portfolios
Municipal planning departments, regional transportation authorities, and environmental consulting firms hire Planners regularly and are familiar with TN documentation requirements. Private developers and infrastructure contractors also sponsor but may need more guidance on the filing process.
Search TN-sponsoring employers through Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Planner job listings by employers with TN visa sponsorship history. This cuts out the guesswork of cold-applying to employers who won't engage with international candidates at the offer stage.
Get your employer support letter precisely worded
CBP officers at the port of entry review your employer's support letter carefully. It must explicitly name the TN Planner category, describe your duties as planning-specific, state your degree field, and confirm full-time or part-time status and compensation.
Prepare for Mexican nationals to file through consular processing
If you're a Mexican citizen, you'll apply at a U.S. consulate rather than a port of entry, which adds scheduling lead time. Book your appointment early and confirm the consulate accepts TN visa applications, as not all locations process them.
Clarify consultant and contract roles before accepting an offer
TN status requires a legitimate employer-employee or client-contractor relationship, not self-employment. If your Planner role is structured as a consulting engagement, confirm with your employer that the arrangement satisfies CBP's definition of a valid employment relationship.
Planner TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Planner job title qualify for TN visa status?
Yes. The TN visa includes Urban and Regional Planner as an explicitly listed USMCA professional category. Your job duties must align with planning functions such as land use analysis, zoning review, transportation planning, or community development. Titles like Project Planner, Transportation Planner, or Environmental Planner typically qualify as long as the underlying work is planning-specific and your degree matches.
How does the TN visa compare to H-1B for Planner roles?
TN is far more practical for Planner roles. There's no annual lottery, no cap for Canadian citizens, and no multi-month wait for USCIS adjudication. Canadians can receive TN status at the port of entry the same day. H-1B visa requires your employer to file months in advance and enter you into a randomized selection process, with no guarantee of approval even if you're fully qualified.
Can I use Migrate Mate to find Planner jobs with TN sponsorship?
Yes. Migrate Mate is built specifically to connect Canadian and Mexican professionals with U.S. employers who sponsor TN visas. You can search Planner roles filtered by TN sponsorship, skipping employers who won't support international candidates. This is especially useful if you're targeting planning roles in municipal government, consulting, or infrastructure sectors where sponsorship openness varies significantly.
What documents do I need to bring to the port of entry for a TN Planner application?
You'll need a valid Canadian passport, a support letter from your U.S. employer on company letterhead that describes your Planner duties and confirms your TN category, and proof of your qualifying degree such as a diploma or transcript. CBP may also ask for a credential evaluation if your degree was issued outside North America. Bring originals, not just digital copies.
Can I change employers while on TN status as a Planner?
Yes, but your TN status is tied to your current employer. Before starting with a new employer, you need a new TN approval, either at the port of entry with fresh documentation or through a USCIS change of employer filing. You can't begin work for the new employer until the new TN is approved, so time the transition carefully to avoid any gap in authorized work status.