Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 27 DECEMBER 2017

USCIS Restricts Eligibility For TN Economist Category

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Contributor
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

We have one of the largest Southeast Asia international law practices, working across the region...

View firm profile
Explore more from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

The new policy restrictions could also affect the ability of previously approved TN Economists to re-enter the U.S. after international travel.

United StatesImmigration
Ann Kalodis
Ann Kalodis
Author LinkedIn connections

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a policy memorandum restricting Trade NAFTA (TN) nonimmigrant classification under the profession of Economist. USCIS advises that the TN Economist category will no longer be available to foreign nationals working in financial analyst, market research analyst or marketing specialist positions. It will also not be permitted for other positions that are related to economics but "primarily include the activity of other occupations." 

Although the TN Economist category is not defined in U.S. immigration regulations, it historically had been interpreted to include all occupations involving economic analysis (including the now-excluded positions). Moving forward, only positions whose job duties primarily involve "traditional" economist duties — such as processing and collecting economic and statistical data or analyzing the behavior of individuals and firms to understand the relationships between supply

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

October 2026 Visa Bulletin Advances EB-5 Filing Date For Mainland China By 4 Years

The U.S. Department of State has released the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, marking the start of fiscal year 2027 with significant changes to employment-based immigrant visa categories. How will the advancement of priority dates, particularly the substantial four-year leap for mainland China-born EB-5 investors in the Dates for Filing chart, impact eligible applicants seeking adjustment of status benefits?
GlobalImmigration
Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig
Article

DHS Continues Work Authorization For Ukrainian, Sudanese TPS Beneficiaries; I-9 Guidance Remains Unclear

The Department of Homeland Security has not issued formal determinations for Temporary Protected Status designations for Ukraine and Sudan despite the October 19, 2026 expiration date, creating uncertainty for employers navigating Form I-9 compliance and employment authorization documentation. USCIS states that affected individuals retain TPS protections and work authorization, but has not updated operational guidance to explain how employers should document continued employment eligibility or handle
United StatesImmigration
Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig
Article

DHS Proposes New OPT Fees: What It Means For F-1 Students, Schools, Employers

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed imposing fees of $70,000 for initial Optional Practical Training periods and $30,000 for subsequent periods including STEM extensions, with schools bearing the direct cost burden. The proposal aims to combat fraud and abuse within the OPT program while protecting U.S. workers, but could significantly impact international student hiring strategies and the availability of OPT talent for employers.
United StatesImmigration
Jackson Lewis P.C.
Jackson Lewis P.C.
Article

DHS Proposes $70,000 And $30,000 Fees For F-1 Optional Practical Training

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a controversial new rule requiring SEVP-certified schools to pay substantial fees—$70,000 for a student's first Optional Practical Training recommendation and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT application, including STEM extensions. With only a 30-day comment period and potential annual costs reaching up to $16.5 billion across nearly 2,500 affected institutions, the proposed regulation is expected to face significant legal challenges if finalized.
United StatesImmigration
Duane Morris LLP
Duane Morris LLP
Article

Trump Administration Waives New Russia Sanctions And Tariffs Under Graham Act

President Trump issued an executive order implementing the Graham Act, which establishes substantial new tariffs on Russian goods and countries purchasing Russian energy, but simultaneously waives their application. The order creates a monitoring framework that leaves open the possibility of future enforcement while maintaining existing Russia sanctions regimes.
GlobalInternational Law
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Article

OFAC Expands Cuba Sanctions And Tightens Financial And Travel Restrictions

The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control has implemented sweeping changes to Cuba sanctions, establishing a new regulatory framework that targets foreign persons and financial institutions while significantly restricting previously authorized activities. These measures create potential sanctions exposure for non-U.S. businesses and banks conducting Cuba-related transactions, fundamentally altering the compliance landscape for international financial intermediaries.
GlobalGovernment, Public Sector
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP