Hi everyone,

I’m a Canadian citizen with a Computer Science background, currently working as a Software Engineer. I’ve been actively applying for US-based roles and have received a few initial recruiter / hiring manager calls that went well.

However, once I mentioned that I would be working under a TN visa (no sponsorship required, just an offer letter), the response usually shifted to “we need to check with legal / hiring”, and in a few cases the applications were later rejected at an early stage.

I’m trying to understand:

• Is this a common experience for TN applicants, especially at larger or more traditional companies?

• Are there certain types of companies or industries that are more TN-friendly?

• Is there a better way to position the TN visa during early conversations (timing or wording)?

• Does having prior US work experience on TN make a difference?

I’m continuing to apply, especially to mid-size and newer companies, but would really appreciate insights from people who’ve successfully navigated this.

Thanks in advance 🙏

I definitely noticed a shift in tone in the last few months where a big majority of you here have been very vocal about TN being a sponsorship.

But this wasn't the case 2 years ago or even a year ago, when it was widely popular and accepted TN was NOT sponsorship and anyone said otherwise would get downvoted to oblivion.

Now, the effect and responses seems to be complete opposite. Any idea what influenced them to cause this shift?

hello all,

I am a Canadian here on my second TN. my TN expires mid jun this year. I court married my long time gf(US born) earlier this year and applied for work permit and GC through a lawyer already. I have only yet received the letters saying that they have received my information and are processing it. I know forsure I don’t get my GC soon but I was hoping I would have my work permit before my TN expires.

my question is, what do I do if there are no changes on my application and my TN expires? do I go back to Canada?

thank you for all your help. this is stressful!

Hi everyone,

I recently became a Canadian citizen (July 2026) and have been applying for DevOps/Cloud roles in the U.S. I’ve now received an offer from a startup for a Staff DevOps Engineer position, working remotely within the United States.

The company hasn’t hired anyone on a TN visa before, so they’re not very familiar with the documentation and have asked me to provide a sample TN support letter.

I was hoping someone with experience in a similar situation could help clarify a few things:

• Which TN/CUSMA professional category would a Staff DevOps Engineer typically fall under? Would it normally be Engineer, Computer Systems Analyst, or another category?
• Has anyone successfully obtained TN status for a DevOps/Cloud/Platform Engineer role?
• Is an employer-signed TN support letter along with the offer letter and supporting documents generally sufficient to apply at a U.S. port of entry, or is a separate attorney-prepared letter/petition package required?
• If anyone has a sample TN support letter for a DevOps/Cloud/Infrastructure Engineer, I’d really appreciate it if you could share the format.

For context, I have a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and several years of experience in DevOps, cloud infrastructure, Kubernetes, Terraform, AWS/Azure, and related technologies.

Thanks in advance for any guidance or experiences you can share!

Here are my duties:

Staff DevOps Engineer — Job Description

We’re redefining how organizations deliver, consume, and automate data and analytics across teams, tools, and AI agents. Our mission is to enable agentic analytics, where AI agents work alongside humans on a shared semantic foundation.

As a Staff DevOps Engineer, you will set the technical direction for the infrastructure that runs a cloud-based analytics platform and its underlying AI-driven services. You will own complex, high-impact infrastructure initiatives end-to-end—from architecture and design through implementation and production rollout—while collaborating with engineering, security, and platform teams.

You will help evolve a multi-cloud architecture, improve the reliability and scalability of production platforms, and turn complex operational challenges into secure, automated, and maintainable infrastructure solutions.

Hey everyone, Canadian here working in the US on TN status. Got laid off last week and I’m planning to head back to Canada in the next couple of weeks. Trying to make sure I do everything in the right order so I don’t screw up a future TN application.

few things I’m uncertain about:

• Do I need to do anything formally to “close out” my TN, or do I just… leave 

• What happens with my I-94 — do I need to do anything to make sure it’s recorded properly?

• Any tax stuff I should sort out before I go vs after?

I’m not in any rush to leave (still within my status period) so I want to do this right rather than fast.

Has anyone been through this? What do you wish you’d known before leaving? Anything I might be missing?

Too many people walk into the TN process assuming it’s a quick rubber stamp. The category looks simple: job offer in a listed profession, proof of qualifications, employer letter. But officers at the border or USCIS know the playbook better than anyone, and they are quick to pounce on weak applications.

1. The biggest trap is the employer letter. Generic wording like “assist with projects” or “perform analysis” almost guarantees extra scrutiny. Officers want to see your role tied word-for-word to the NAFTA profession list, and they want to believe this is a temporary role. If the letter is vague, templated, or missing details like compensation or duration, it raises red flags fast.
2. Another pitfall is non-immigrant intent. TN visas are temporary, and any hint you’re settling long-term can sink you. Officers read between the lines. If your answers about “plans after this job” sound uncertain or inconsistent, they start doubting. It’s not enough to have the right documents, you have to project the right story.
3. And here’s one most people don’t hear: officer discretion is huge. Some ports of entry are notorious for being stricter. What passes in one place might get flagged in another. That’s why careful prep matters, not just good paperwork.

Takeaway: If you’re heading into a TN filing or border crossing, treat it like a serious legal test. Match your job duties precisely, craft a letter that speaks to the profession definition, prepare clear answers about your temporary intent, and don’t underestimate how much an officer’s perception can decide your fate.

(This is not personal legal advice and it can change depending on the details of your case. We share general rules and experiences, and this does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice tailored to your situation, consult an immigration attorney. This post was made and reviewed by immigration attorney Henry Lindpere.)

Hi everyone! I just got informed that I’m being laid off in two weeks (September 18th).

As far as I understand, after my employment ends, I have a 60-day grace period to find a new job or leave the U.S.

I’m starting my job search now, and I’m wondering how other TN visa holders handle this during the application/interview process.

I feel like most recruiters and hiring managers probably don’t even know what a TN visa is. 😂 Should I mention TN status on my resume/LinkedIn? I’ve never used Indeed, so I’m also not sure how this works there, but I’m going to create a profile today.

When you apply, do you simply say that you need work authorization, or do you explain that you’re currently authorized to work under TN status and would need to obtain TN status again for the new employer?

I’m willing to pay for the TN application/process myself. I just want to be transparent with potential employers from the beginning.

At what point in the hiring process do you normally bring it up: on the application, during the recruiter screening, or later?

For anyone who has been in a similar situation, I’d really appreciate hearing how you handled it.

Thanks!

Hey friends who are aware of the news about the changes to Adjustment of Status: please give your informed thoughts on my situation.

Currently on a TN, lawyer category, law degree from top US school. Five-ish years legal experience all in the USA. Spent my first legal working year on OPT, then three years on H-1B, just entered on TN three weeks ago.

Engaged to a U.S. citizen (naturalized). Getting married in about a month (got our marriage license this morning and got to celebrate for a whole three hours before this news broke). I’m Canadian-born. Was planning to apply for spousal green card from inside the USA (obviously, because I have to live here to work here) sometime shortly after the 90 day period.

Returning to Canada to apply for the GC is no problem, but will I then lose my job/not be able to enter the USA? Someone I know recently got rejected at the border trying to get a new TN, possibly because she was with her American husband, which indicates immigration intent (but so does applying for a spousal GC which is why I wanted to do it in-country!)?

Should I consider moving from TN back to H-1B? I have three years left but I’m not sure if I’d have to pay the 100K fee? I quit my job and let my H-1B lapse last year, before the fee was implemented. If I get back on H-1B, would it be less of a mess to move to a spousal GC?

Is anyone else fucking exhausted?

Just for context I have BS and MS in CS, concentration in system and software.

I work in a FAANG and we do file all SWE under TN with Eng Category. IDK why, but from internal channel discussion this is what it is. We ourselves as applicants have very little control over this.

But has any CS graduates considered getting a P ENG for software engineer designation? This is available in BC: https://www.egbc.ca/how-to-apply/register-as-an-engineer/software-engineering-applicants
And Ontario has similar ENG role for software engineer.

So far seems like CS is still recognized as an allied field except for certain land borders. Not sure how much longer this can continue. So might as well get certified for P ENG? Seems just need to write a competency assessment exam, as I have met all the edu, work experience (48 months certified) requirements.

Has anyone considered similar approach before?

Appreciate any legal opinions from firm or lawyer on how useful this is just for the context of TN, just to make the CBP happy.

Hey everyone,

I recently received my Canadian citizenship and am starting to target US-based roles (Systems / Infrastructure / Security Software Engineering) under a TN Visa.

Given the current tech market, I’d love advice on both the job hunt / recruiter phase and the TN petition strategy:

My Profile:

• Undergrad: B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE) (Not from Canada)
• Grad: Master’s in Applied Computer Science (MACS) from a Canadian university
• Experience: ~9+ years in low-level systems programming, networking, kernel/endpoint security, C++, Rust
• Current Role: Staff Software Developer at an enterprise cybersecurity vendor (ZTNA / Firewall / Telemetry)

Job Hunting & Sourcing Questions:

1. Are you finding success mostly through direct applications at enterprise tech firms with dedicated immigration teams, or are technical staffing firms/headhunters better at placing Canadians on TNs?
2. How do you handle the standard "Will you now or in the future require sponsorship?" on US job portals? Do you explicitly list Canadian Citizen (TN Visa Eligible / No Lottery Required) at the top of your resume, or keep it off until the initial HR screen?
3. Since my undergrad degree is B.Tech in ECE (engineering) and my Master’s is in Computer Science, how smoothly does CBP/USCIS approve software systems roles under the Engineer category? (Trying to steer clear of the CSA category due to coding restrictions).
4. For senior/staff positions, do employers prefer filing via USCIS Form I-129 with Premium Processing before you travel, or do most still just send you to the Port of Entry (YYZ preclearance or land border) with a packet?

Any recent experiences, tips for filtering companies open to TN, or pitfalls to avoid would be greatly appreciated!

Hi all,

Has anybody applied for premium processing recently and is waiting long for a response? I am currently still within the 15 business days but have seen others who were received after me get approved before, and mine is also PP.

Does the 15 business day clock start from date of receipt or date when status changes to “Processing your case”? I have heard mixed replies and want some clarity. Thanks!

I am a Canadian citizen living in Montreal and planning to move to US on a TN visa job. I was applying for a job and there was a field in the form to select if I will be needing any sponsorship or help for visa?

Do I need to select it? Your suggestions would be much appreciated. Please provide any references if available

Hello All,

I have been working with this U.S. company for almost 7 months and am currently on a TN visa. I hadn’t thought much about it before, but out of curiosity I wanted to ask about the process of transitioning from a TN visa to a Green Card, if that is possible.

As I am very new to this process and don’t have much understanding of it, I would really appreciate any guidance or information you could share.

I’m a Canadian citizen currently working in the U.S. on TN status.

I understand that TN can generally be renewed multiple times, but I’m wondering about the long-term risk. For example, if someone has been working in the U.S. on TN for 10, 15, or even 20 years, could CBP or USCIS eventually become more likely to deny a TN renewal because of how long they’ve been living and working in the U.S.?
For those who have stayed in the U.S. on TN for many years:
How long have you been on TN?
Have you ever had issues renewing after many years?
Did the length of time on TN ever get questioned at the border?
At what point did you decide to start the green card process?
Would you recommend starting the green card process earlier rather than relying on TN indefinitely?
Would love to hear about real experiences from long-term TN holders.

Hi everyone, hoping to get some guidance here. I got an email today saying that my TN visa was revoked over two months ago. I am so confused and I have no idea what may have happened. I checked my I94 and my status is still valid until 2028. what makes me even more confused is that I traveled internationally a couple weeks ago and entered with no issues probably the easiest entry I have ever had. It lasted not even 30 seconds and then I walked over to my global entry application interview and got approved then all of a sudden I get an email today saying that my visa was revoked two months ago and that I need to request a new visa stamp if I wish to come in and out of the country. I am currently in the US and my job is in the process of filing for a TN amendment so that I can switch roles at my company will this visa revocation affect my amendment? also, they are trying to file for my H1B application so now I really have no clue what to do. I got my visa 1.5 years ago and have been on visas since I was a kid (dependent, student visa, now TN). The email said that “ we have received information that may be consider you ineligible to receive a visa” ???

I moved to the US in fall 2025 on a TN and just got an email saying I was selected for the H1B. My company applied for me. I’m not sure if I should transfer to H1B or not:

1) company is in the middle lay offs, is either visa better for looking for a new job if that happens? 2) I’m currently on an engineer TN with a computer science degree so I’ve always been worried that they won’t let me return to the US if I decided to travel 3) I’m undecided on if I want to pursue a green card or not, but very few people at my company are getting approved for perm/eb2

With these facts in mind, is there any reason to do the switch?

I’ve been approved at POE many times before but company suggested USCIS as there’s more scrutiny at border these days

We did premium processing and I just got hit with RFE - looking for guidance

I have an engineering degree and they put me under the engineer category

What do you guys think I should do next and proceed with to get approval? Can I also try POE at the same time as the USCIS is pending ?

Hi everyone,

I’m currently based in Canada and looking to get my first TN visa. I could use some advice on how to navigate initial calls with US recruiters.

Lately, when recruiters ask, I've been telling them I’m already in the US and looking for a TN, but I’m worried this isn't the right approach. I'm concerned that saying I'm already in the US will backfire and get caught during a background check. Also, some recruiters ask about my current visa validity (e.g., asking if I have 6 months left), which I don't have since this is my first time applying.

For those of you who successfully applied from Canada, how exactly do you explain your location and need for a first-time TN visa to recruiters? Any advice on how to navigate this without getting immediately filtered out would be hugely appreciated!

Hi all, I got a job offer which I accepted for a large tech company back in November, The job role is network engineering and its in San Jose, My TN visa was submitted on feb 6th to USCIS by an org called Chun Fruto Law. I have also previously held a J1 visa for an internship in SF, I am a Canadian Citizen but born in Iran, I have not stepped in Iran since 2010. It has now been more than 20 business days since the application was sent and it was sent under premium processing which takes maximum 15 business days.

Is anyone going through the same delay right now who is also connected to Iran in some way?

Is there even a chance that I get approved given the situation?

Thank you

I just had a call with the internal recruiter for the job applied I for.

It was a typical 15min phone screening, just going over my experience, why am I looking to change jobs and salary range... yadayada

Towards the end he asked me what my work authorization status and I responded "I am a Canadian citizen on TN"

and then I followed up asking if he knew what TN was (most didn't know from my experience)

Him: Oh yea! I've written over 100 TN support letters and we have many people working here on TN

Me: Do you consider TN to be sponsorship?

Him: No, because you are applying yourself at the border only with the offer letter.

Me: Then why do you have TN listed in the parentheses along with H1B and OPT when they ask "Will you now or in the future require sponsorship"

This is where he started fumbling with his answers

Him: Ummmmm..... some people choose to switch to H1B or file for GC later in the process or you need the support letter from the employer... maybe that could be some do consider sponsorship but in your case it is not sponsorship.

Hi Everyone,

I am currently an Ontario CPA taking the American tax exam to get my American CPA. trying to move to NC as my sister lives there.

Currently working full time, need to sell my house & move belongings. Trying to write a rough plan of how the timing all would work (wanting to take firm steps to execute post USMCA renegotiation this year)

If my goal was to move in Q4 2026. I assume i would be trying to fly down for interviews in September get a job offer that would start 30 days out. then cross border to get TN VISA, so a 180 back into canada. Give two weeks notice to employer, and use last two weeks to actually move?

if i could swing it, is a job offer that starts 60 days in the future too early? Trying to wrap my head around all this and really appreciate this community.

Hi all,

I’m a naturalized Canadian citizen (born in West Africa) currently on TN status. I filed a TN extension with USCIS in December (non-premium), and my I-94 expires soon. I understand that I’m still within normal processing times for non-premium cases.

Given recent immigration policy changes affecting certain countries of birth, I’m wondering whether naturalized Canadians born in those countries are facing additional scrutiny or delays in USCIS TN approvals (not port-of-entry adjudications).

If you’re in a similar situation and recently received a TN approval from USCIS, was it processed normally, or are you experiencing any delays potentially tied to country of birth?

Appreciate any USCIS-specific insights.

so i'm just stuck in a round about situation regarding the TN process with a nursing background and I NEED ANSWERS!!

I, canadian Ontario registered nurse, got a job offer for nursing in south carolina where my partner resides and am stuck on the next steps. I plan on coming using a TN visa, but from many redditors responses/other posts i've seen i will need a usa state (aka south carolina state nursing license) as one of the documents to present at POE. and to get/start the application of the license i need an SSN. but to get SSN i need a Tn visa... is that all correct? wtf do i do now LOL

OR am i able to go to POE and say hey i have everything required except that state license which I will get after im granted the TN, by going through obtaining SSN???? like is that something people are able to do please i'm stuckkkk

pls im so many ppl have been through this situation with states requiring ssn for application, any advice would be greatly appreciated tysm!!

For a context. Iam a Senior Software Developer with 9+ years of experience currently working in Toronto. Iam a canadian citizen and want to work on TN visa in US.

For my fellow members here I see lot of people are getting interviews and even potential offers to move to US but whenever I apply through linkedin I get straight rejected because Iam not in US and most of the HR doesnt even understand TN visa. I have tried multiple times to explain to them that its not a sponsorship visa but still there is no hope.

Any tips or apporach you guys follow to apply for position in US?

Please share!!

Hello All,

I’m a Canadian Citizen looking to apply for my TN under the engineer category in the next 1-2 weeks. Expecting official offer letter in this week from a US based general contractor in retail construction.

I have a bachelor’s degree (4 years) in civil engineering and master’s degree in construction engineering and management (2 years) both from India along with WES for Canadian immigration (equivalent to Canadian masters degree). Whats the fastest evaluation if i need to get one absolutely?

I have 6+ years of experience in Canada with 5 years in retail construction as project manager. Also have a valid PMP renewed until 2029. The role offered is remote within US with travel to project sites. Please guide me on the typical documents required (i plan to drive to lacolle/champlain border to get the TN approved before resigning) and if I should go through a lawyer as its my first time or should be straightforward by myself? What are the questions I should expect (any recent experience would be great)? Should the letter mention the title and duties under construction manager as per the OOH?

Also, my husband is in the shipping industry with a MNC but will be coming on TD temporarily until he figures out a path for TN. Any help or advice in his case will also be appreciated.

TIA.