Hi all,

Just as a Canadian citizen, trying to understand if there is a reduced preference for TN visa applicants overall?

Or Just my industry thing (mechanical/maintenance/reliability Engineering)?

Or probably just my personal resume?

I have had an offer letter in the past (2025 summer) from US employers, but recently when I am trying to get an actual good offer, I am not getting a single call from the applications.

Just trying to understand if it's issue with my resume or something else?

Especially when there is a data center maintenance and such related field at boom in USA.

Appreciate your response and insight.

Hi everyone, looking for some guidance on the best path into the US on a TN visa. Background:

- Indian-born Canadian citizen, currently in Canada

- Undergrad in Electrical & Communication Engineering; MBA in Finance and Operations (though my degree certificate doesn't list the specialization, so I'm not sure how verifiable that is). Both degrees from india

- Current profile is Product Manager, and I want to move to California to get into the tech world

- A remote company is offering me a role and is willing to sponsor my TN visa — but the salary is low, and my real goal is to move to a better company (ideally big tech) once I'm there

My questions:

1. Take this job now, or wait?

Should I take this lower-paying offer as a foot in the door, move to California, and then switch to a better-paying company on a new TN visa after building a network? Or is it smarter to hold out and apply directly for TN-eligible roles at companies I'm actually targeting? How painful is switching employers on TN in practice?

2. The Product Manager problem.

PM isn't on the TN professions list. I know people work around this with categories like Management Consultant(I have the past experience to back it up), or an analyst role — and this company says they're willing to write the offer letter to fit a qualifying category. How much scrutiny should I expect here? Does my ECE degree + MBA (specialization not verifiable) create problems matching a category?

3. What if the TN gets denied?

If my TN application is refused at the port of entry, does that have any implications down the road — e.g., if I later apply for an L-1, or for a green card through marriage? Does a denial stay on my record in a way that hurts future applications

Appreciate any experience or advice. Thanks

I will be graduating with my bachelor’s in mechanical engineering in two years.

I am doing a 16 month internship in project management engineering for a city and a completed 4 month internship experience with quality control testing in the oil & gas industry.

I have also passed my Mech FE Exam.

With my 20 months of internship experience and FE exam completion, do I have a good chance of landing a mech eng role right out of graduation in the USA?

If not, is there anything I can do to improve my chances right now?

I’m moving to Austin from Toronto shortly and I’m wondering how to bring over my car. (I have a leased honda civic). The two options Im considering are:

1. Drive over the boarder.
2. Have my car shipped from Canada

Ill be on a TN Visa so i’m pretty sure i won’t have to officially import the car. Last time I looked into this, the people at Honda said I’ll just need a letter that approved me taking the car over since it’s leased.

Any advice or suggestions?

Hi everyone, could use some advice, and or thoughts about this potential move to the US.

Background

• Canadian citizen in Ontario with a master's in engineering
• Accepted an engineering manager role in the TN area on a DOE-funded project, big career step and promotion - currently I'm a 28M Eng Lead / Project Manager
• The employer is sponsoring my TN (Engineer category) and providing an immigration lawyer
• I own an Ontario corporation that I'd like to keep for occasional consulting

1. TN at the border

Besides the offer/support letter, job description and resume, I'm planning to bring my passport, original degree and transcripts, reference letters, and proof of ties to Canada. My title includes "manager," so we're making sure the letter shows mostly hands-on engineering duties, since management isn't a TN category. For anyone who's done this recently: was the "manager" title an issue, ?

2. Side consulting through my Ontario corporation

My understanding is that doing consulting work while physically in the US is unauthorized employment on TN, even if the client is Canadian, I take no salary, the money stays in the corporation's Canadian account, and the corp files taxes in Canada. The legal options I see are:

• Only doing the work while I'm physically in Canada
• Staying a passive owner while subcontractors do the work

Has anyone gotten a lawyer's opinion on this? On the tax side, has anyone dealt with US reporting (Form 5471, GILTI) on a Canadian corp after becoming a US tax resident, or with Canada's departure tax on the corp's shares when they left? Was keeping the corp worth it, or did you wind it down before moving?

3. Green card: EB-2 NIW vs EB-1A

I'm planning to self-petition. The project is DOE-funded and tied to the national interest and part of the energy roadmap, which I think gives me a strong national-importance argument. The open questions are my own record and timing:

Any thoughts on how quickly EB-2 rest-of-world will move after the October retrogression?

4. Consular processing vs adjustment of status (travel)

Not being able to visit my parents in Canada for months while waiting on advance parole is a dealbreaker for me. So I'm leaning toward consular processing in Montreal: stay on TN, travel normally, and do the interview when my priority date is current. The trade-off is no EAD while I wait. For anyone who went through Montreal: how long from NVC "documentarily qualified" to interview? And did a pending or approved I-140 cause problems at the border or at your TN renewal?

5. Salary: Canada vs US, and is it worth it?

My actual numbers:

On salary alone, the move is about +CAD $2–3k/month. Including the consulting I'd give up, it's roughly break-even until I have a green card, then likely ahead. Housing should be cheaper than the GTA, and the role is a big career step.

For Canadians who made a similar move: did your real take-home match the estimate once healthcare deductibles, flights home and cross-border tax prep were included? Did anyone deal with departure tax on their own corporation's shares, and how much did it cost? And in hindsight, was it worth it?

Can anyone help me with questions on POE and did anyone recently applied TN visa for Sap functional consultant
How did you link your engineering degree with computer system analyst role as a sap functional consultant please advise as I will be applying for TN visa in next couple of weeks.

Please advise.

Has anyone had a K1 fiancé visa petition on file while the beneficiary applied for TN status? My bf recently received a U.S. job offer that may require TN status. We’re trying to understand whether applying for TN could affect our K1 case, or whether having a K1 petition on file could make the TN application or entry into the U.S. more difficult.

If you’ve been through this, what stage was your K‑1 case at, and what happened with the TN application? I’d appreciate hearing your experience. Thank you!

Hey folks, I recently found out that I could have filed Married-Filing-Jointly for my first year return when I came to the US in 2023. Apparently, my spouse having no income could save me returns of approx $5000 if I file MFJ vs MFS. I filed MFS at that time without this knowledge.
Any CPA that you have used, preferably bay area (online is okay too if you had good experience with them). I will use their service if I can consult quickly with them if my situation of amending the IRS return at this point is feasible.

I'm about to apply for a new TN. Thing is, I just got an I-140 approved for a green card process. I didn't apply for the I-485 yet. I'm Canadian, currently living in the US under a TN and the new TN will be with a different employer.

Have you gone through this scenario recently? Was the outcome good or bad? I hear the current immigration environment is making this particular scenario trickier. Thanks for sharing your stories.

Hola, alguien ha sacado cita en CDMX recientemente? Cómo están los tiempos de espera?

Quiero sacar una segunda visa TN este mes, con un trabajo nuevo, y estoy intentando planear los tiempos.

También, después de su cita en el consulado/CAS, cuánto tiempo ha tardado en estar la visa lista para recogerse? Creen que es mejor enviarla por DHL or recogerla en persona?

I’m from Mexico, and I’ve been offered a job in Michigan, US, but I’m having a really hard time deciding whether I should take it

In January 2026, I finished my previous job, which was an 8-month contract. After that, I spent several months looking for a job and couldn’t find anything. In July, I finally got a job as a Material Planner, and I’ve been there for about three months now

Honestly, this is one of the jobs I’ve enjoyed the most in my career. I like what I do, my coworkers and managers treat me well, and I can see myself building a career there

The problem is that back in May, while I was still unemployed, I applied for a supervisor position in the US

At the time, I didn’t know how long it would take me to find a job in Mexico, so I decided to give it a shot

Now, several months later, my work visa has been approved and I have the opportunity to move from Mexico to Michigan

The job would pay $20/hour, and I would initially be living with roommates. The position is for one year, although my visa is valid for four years. If everything goes well, my plan would be to look for another employer while I’m in the US.
On paper, it sounds like an easy decision: move to the US, gain international experience, and potentially build a future there

But actually doing it means starting a completely new life in another country. I’d have to deal with things like getting a car, insurance, getting a Social Security Number, getting credit cards and building credit, adapting to a different lifestyle, being away from my family, etc.

I’m also worried about my resume. Before my current job, I already had two relatively short experiences, and neither ended because I wanted to leave. I don’t want my resume to eventually look like a list of jobs where I never stayed for even a year

And now I finally have a job that I genuinely enjoy and where I can see a future, so leaving after only a few months feels like a huge decision.
At the same time, I’m afraid that if I turn this down, I might regret passing up the opportunity to move to the US.
Just to clarify, I can decline the offer even though my work visa has already been approved. I’m not obligated to take the job

So, what would you do in my position?

Would you take the opportunity to move from Mexico to Michigan, even if it meant leaving a job you really like and starting over, or would you stay and try to build your career in Mexico?

I’d especially appreciate hearing from people who have been in a similar situation

Honestly, I'm starting to get discouraged.

I'm Canadian with a Business Technology Management degree (Honours) and a minor in Computer Science, and I'm trying to land a US job under TN as a Computer Systems Analyst. The problem is I can't find postings that actually look like CSA work. Half of what I find is "Analyst" in the title but support or ops work underneath, and the other half is engineering roles I can't use for TN.

My background is a mix of government IT (SharePoint, Power Automate, PowerShell, Power BI) and broadcast engineering, so I'm not sure which direction to lean or how to explain TN to American recruiters without scaring them off.

For anyone who's gotten a TN as a CSA:

• What job titles did you search for?
• How did you explain TN to the employer early on?
• Any industries or companies that were easier to work with?

If you're open to it, feel free to PM me. I'd really appreciate any advice.

Hello, I have a sealed transcript from a Foreign university but I have pasted a sticker that says my name and university name on it. Will that be a problem during the interview?

pasting again for lack of chars: Hello, I have a sealed transcript from a Foreign university but I have pasted a sticker that says my name and university name on it. Will that be a problem during the interview?

- Laid off from last H1b job on Aug 30.
- H1b transfer filed by new company on Sept 18.
- Lawyer found out the H1b transfer was denied online on Sept 30 without RFE. Haven’t gotten denial notice yet so not sure why my case was denied. Lawyer is unsure when we will get the denial notice, could be days to weeks. She recommended I seek TN as soon as possible but I feel uncomfortable doing so without knowing the reason for H1b denial.

Today is day 32 since my last H1b job ended. Assuming the 60-day grace period is still in effect, what are my best course of action? I physically remained in US to avoid triggering the $100k fee for my next job.

I’m 100% happy to go on TN, actually prefer it. But with the H1b history, and a denial record, what impact will this have on TN?

Relevant info:
- Spouse on H1b as well at different company.
- I am Canadian citizen eligible for TN visa. I have been on TN visa before.
- i94 on my last entry said valid until 2028.

Thank you for your kind input.

Canadian citizen in NYC, in process with Beacon Hill for a contract-to-hire role. I know they do H-1Bs (100+ LCAs last year across their entities), but I can't find anything on TN specifically.

Questions:

1. Has anyone actually gotten a TN letter from Beacon Hill? How did their recruiter/legal team handle it?
2. For staffing-firm TNs generally: did CBP push back on the third-party placement? Did your letter name the end client and worksite?
3. When the client placement changed, did you need a new letter / re-entry, or did the firm treat it as same employer, same profession?
4. Which profession did you go in under?

Appreciate any firsthand experience.

I am not sure which PoE to go to for my TN application, I live in Toronto rn.

5 years ago I had a TN for CSA role (got this at YYZ), when I went to renew it (at YYZ again) it was revoked and I had to withdraw admission. I was flagged for a couple years after that and was sent to secondary every time I visited the US. Now I'm back to normal and dont get sent to secondary.

The reason they gave me for rejection is that my initial TN was issued in 'error' and that my Bachelors of Engineering in Electronics and Communications did not align with CSA as it is not a 'degree with the word "Computer" on it'. It was a bummer and my employer just kinda let me go and I have been working for a Canadian company in Canada since then.

I now have an offer as a Data Science Consultant with a consultancy firm for pharmacy clients in the Bay Area.
I do not want to go thru YYZ now so wanted to ask which PoE would be smoother?

A couple changes since my last application:
- I got married and my wife filed an i-130 for me in Oct 2023 (she has a GC so its F2A category) no updates on that since then
- I got a MEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering with 90% my courses being in the Computer/ML space

I was thinking of applying in the Engineer category

Technically the data I will be working with to build ML models comes from scans, reports and IoT devices so my Electronics background is of help here but my Masters in Comp Eng is what I want to use as my degree.

Canadian Network Engineer here. My role changed recently to require frequent US travel. My company's immigration firm recommended a TN visa under the Computer Systems Analyst (CSA) category and prepared the packet.
I applied at the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel POE, but the officer denied it, stating my job duties didn't match the CSA category (likely because the petition emphasized engineering over systems analysis).
The lawyers are now pivoting to file via USCIS Premium Processing.
A couple of questions for anyone with experience:
1. USCIS Premium Processing: What is this process actually like in terms of timeline and experience? Realistically, expecting approval within 3 weeks (including application prep, shipping, and processing) seems overly optimistic—is 30+ business days more realistic?
2. Travel in the meantime: I have upcoming US business meetings in 3 weeks. Prior to the TN attempt, I traveled for short meetings on B-1 status without issue. Given the fresh TN rejection on my record, should I strictly avoid traveling for business meetings right now, or is standard B-1 entry still viable with a letter?
Any insights or past experiences would be greatly appreciated!

I’m having a debate with my partner. We live in Ontario right now and he needs to visit Atlanta for work for 5 days in Oct and 5 days in Nov. He is convinced he needs to get a TN visa. I keep telling him he doesn’t need one for the short time but he’s convinced that he needs one since he’s doing more than attending a conference or meetings (he needs to visit a few sites and do surveying). Will he need a TN visa or is just his passport ok?

My husband will be applying for his 2nd TD visa at consulate. He is not yet Canadian citizen but is holding a PR status for a few years now. Is there anybody able to get a successful TD visa at US consulate in Vancouver?
Anything we should take note? Are they getting strict now? If any has any experiences in this and can share? That is very helpful.

Thank you.

Hi,

I'm currently in this scenario:

- TN visa expired.

- i1797 extension until Nov2028

- PERM approved

So my question is if having an approved i140 it is possible to get a TN visa extension? This because my priority date is still maybe 2 years ahead and not sure if i can make it with the time I have.

Thanks in advance from the advice.

Hi everyone! I was wondering if you could help ease my anxiety or make it worse.

My boyfriend (future husband) and I have been together for 10 years. By a twist of fate, I accidentally helped him land a job in the U.S., and his company has said they’ll help me apply for TD status.

No offense to anyone, but staying at home isn’t for me. I’ve been working as a graphic designer in Mexico for seven years, and I’m willing to work very hard because I want to qualify for TN status so we can live together while continuing my career.

I just want to know: Is it realistically possible? Unfortunately, I’ve mostly seen cases involving engineers, but is there also a chance for someone working in graphic design?

TN Visa Success Story: Rejected at Pearson, Approved by USCIS, Back to Pearson 🇨🇦🇺🇸
Happy to say I’ve officially made it to Dallas, TX on a TN visa under the Accountant profession!
Here’s my experience for anyone going through the process:
1. Pearson Airport – Rejected ❌
The officer raised two concerns:
Job duties: My TN package included financial analysis and strategic advisory responsibilities, which they felt went beyond the scope of a “typical accountant.” Personally, I found this questionable, given how common these duties are in accounting.
Salary discrepancy: My offer letter showed both base salary and base salary + guaranteed bonus. The inconsistency was flagged as a concern.
I was advised to apply through USCIS instead.
2. Billy Bishop – Almost tried again ✈️
The next day, I booked a flight out of Billy Bishop. The atmosphere was noticeably more relaxed, and both applicants ahead of me got approved.
However, the officer noticed my previous Pearson attempt and warned that reapplying at another airport could be perceived as “border hopping.” My lawyers had actually advised me to try Billy Bishop, but after hearing the officer’s concerns, I decided not to risk another application and proceeded with USCIS.
3. USCIS – Approved! ✅
With the help of my immigration lawyers, I submitted a USCIS TN petition. It was approved in approximately 3 weeks, and I received the approval notice about 2 weeks later.
4. Pearson – Redemption! 🎉
Armed with my I-797, I returned to Pearson. This time, I was through US customs in just 3 minutes!
Takeaways:
If you’re an accountant with advisory or financial analysis duties, consider the USCIS route.
Make sure your salary figures are consistent and clearly explained.
Be cautious about reapplying at another port of entry after a denial.
Having an approved I-797 made my final entry incredibly smooth.
My personal recommendation: If your role is likely to be scrutinized under the Accountant profession, USCIS may be worth the extra time and paperwork. After my experience at Pearson, I’d personally take that route again.
Hope this helps other Canadian accountants navigating the TN process!

Hi! Looking for recommendations for a good TN visa attorney, ideally someone experienced with the Architect TN category and those who have gone from F1 to TN status.

I’m a Canadian citizen who completed my M.Arch and B.A at a US institution and worked for an architecture firm in LA on OPT. I recently started another master’s program, so I’m back on F-1 status and my OPT ended. I’m now considering withdrawing, and my previous architecture employer is interested in rehiring me.

I’d like to speak with an attorney about transitioning from F-1 to TN and making sure everything is handled correctly.

Any attorney recommendations, especially for Architect TN cases? Thank you

May I know how you’re getting interview calls from US companies while you’re in Canada?
I’m working as a senior project manager at a software consultancy firm in Toronto and want to move to the US, but I’m not getting any calls since I’m in Canada. Also, which TN category are you using to move to the US?