High-Level Question
I’m seeking advice on understanding my eligibility for a TN Visa to work as a Software Engineer in the U.S. My academic background includes a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (EE, earned outside North America) and a research-based Master's in Computer Science (CS, from Canada). I've also accumulated four years of software engineering experience, including two years at a FAANG company. Could I qualify under the **Engineer** or **CSA** categories?
Context
I've been researching TN Visa requirements but find the eligibility criteria confusing, especially for Software Engineer roles. Based on my background and what I’ve gathered, I might fall under one of two TN categories:
1. Engineer
* This seems most aligned with typical SWE duties (coding, designing systems, etc.). However, my understanding is that the Bachelor's degree courses need to align with the role you’re applying for.
* My undergraduate degree is in Electrical Engineering, which included some programming courses, but the focus was not on computer science. I’ve heard that Electrical Engineering degrees are not always considered sufficient for SWE roles under this category.
* Has anyone successfully obtained a TN Visa as a Software Engineer with an Electrical Engineering background? What additional documentation or proof did you provide to demonstrate alignment with SWE duties?
2. Computer Systems Analyst (CSA)
* From what I understand, this category requires a two-year post-secondary degree and at least three years of relevant experience. I meet the experience requirement and exceed the education requirement with my Master’s degree in CS.
* However, I’ve read that Software Engineer roles might not fit neatly under the CSA category. It seems this category is more focused on roles involving analysis and design rather than core development.
* Has anyone here secured a TN Visa for a Software Engineer role using the CSA category? If so, how did you frame your application to fit the role description?
I want to make sure I’m interpreting these requirements correctly and determine the best path forward. Any advice, success stories, or even cautionary tales from others who’ve navigated a similar situation would be greatly appreciated!
Additional Details for Context
* My Bachelor's in EE was earned outside of North America, so I'm curious how that may affect the evaluation of my credentials.
* My professional experience includes two years at a non-FAANG company followed by two years at a FAANG company, both in Software Engineering roles in Canada.
Questions for the Community
1. For the Engineer category, is there any flexibility in accepting an EE degree for SWE roles?
2. For the CSA category, what strategies have worked for SWE applicants to demonstrate relevance?
3. Are there specific tips for tailoring a TN Visa application for a Software Engineering position with my type of background?
Thanks in advance for your insights!
I’m seeking advice on understanding my eligibility for a TN Visa to work as a Software Engineer in the U.S. My academic background includes a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (EE, earned outside North America) and a research-based Master's in Computer Science (CS, from Canada). I've also accumulated four years of software engineering experience, including two years at a FAANG company. Could I qualify under the **Engineer** or **CSA** categories?
Context
I've been researching TN Visa requirements but find the eligibility criteria confusing, especially for Software Engineer roles. Based on my background and what I’ve gathered, I might fall under one of two TN categories:
1. Engineer
* This seems most aligned with typical SWE duties (coding, designing systems, etc.). However, my understanding is that the Bachelor's degree courses need to align with the role you’re applying for.
* My undergraduate degree is in Electrical Engineering, which included some programming courses, but the focus was not on computer science. I’ve heard that Electrical Engineering degrees are not always considered sufficient for SWE roles under this category.
* Has anyone successfully obtained a TN Visa as a Software Engineer with an Electrical Engineering background? What additional documentation or proof did you provide to demonstrate alignment with SWE duties?
2. Computer Systems Analyst (CSA)
* From what I understand, this category requires a two-year post-secondary degree and at least three years of relevant experience. I meet the experience requirement and exceed the education requirement with my Master’s degree in CS.
* However, I’ve read that Software Engineer roles might not fit neatly under the CSA category. It seems this category is more focused on roles involving analysis and design rather than core development.
* Has anyone here secured a TN Visa for a Software Engineer role using the CSA category? If so, how did you frame your application to fit the role description?
I want to make sure I’m interpreting these requirements correctly and determine the best path forward. Any advice, success stories, or even cautionary tales from others who’ve navigated a similar situation would be greatly appreciated!
Additional Details for Context
* My Bachelor's in EE was earned outside of North America, so I'm curious how that may affect the evaluation of my credentials.
* My professional experience includes two years at a non-FAANG company followed by two years at a FAANG company, both in Software Engineering roles in Canada.
Questions for the Community
1. For the Engineer category, is there any flexibility in accepting an EE degree for SWE roles?
2. For the CSA category, what strategies have worked for SWE applicants to demonstrate relevance?
3. Are there specific tips for tailoring a TN Visa application for a Software Engineering position with my type of background?
Thanks in advance for your insights!
