From what I've read up to this point, a TN-MC is my only option at this point.
Here's my story (I apologize in advance for the length).
First of all, I don't have a degree.
I've been working for a family-owned (father/2 sons, I'm not related) business full-time since March 1997, although I have been doing freelance contractor work for them since the early 90s. They pioneered a niche industry in Canada, and continue to be the largest of it's kind. I began my career with them having developed their entire IT infrastructure. Since that time, however, I've become involved in virtually all facets of their company (IT, marketing, finance, HR, etc).
Early 1999, the father/sons left Canada to start a US branch. To keep the story short, eventually the sons became sole owners of the US company and the father sole owner of the Canadian company. I continued to support both companies during this time.
The US business is in the same, niche industry and is also the market leader. Currently they are about a $5 million company, but would like that to grow to about $50 million in 3-5 years.
In March 2005, the father sold the Canadian assets to an independent Canadian. The father still owns the original corporation though. The new owner continues to employ me under a new corporate name, but the company and my job functions are primarily the same.
Since the purchase, I have maintained contact with the sons and have even performed some consulting tasks for them, after-hours. These were done with the "blessing" of my current employer, but the scope & details of the project were unknown to him.
Recently the US company offered me a job. This is a result of the proprietary nature of the system I originally designed and my further knowledge of this unique industry. They want me to help them grow to the $50 million company.
They want me to start soon (like Jan/Feb 2007), so that eliminates the H1B route for the time being. As far as I can tell, this only leaves me with the TN-MC route.
Am I right in thinking this? How hard would it be for me to get a TN-MC (given my "story")? Are my chances good for this?
Is my work experience enough? I know I'd need letters, since I have no degree. Since the father still owns the corporate name, could I have him do a letter? For obvious reasons I'd rather not have the current owner involved in this.
Also, I'm thinking this would be too much for me to handle myself. I'm assuming getting a lawyer involved in this scrutinized category is the best move? My prospective employer has stated they would pay my immigration costs.
Hopefully you made it through the whole post. Thanks!
Here's my story (I apologize in advance for the length).
First of all, I don't have a degree.
I've been working for a family-owned (father/2 sons, I'm not related) business full-time since March 1997, although I have been doing freelance contractor work for them since the early 90s. They pioneered a niche industry in Canada, and continue to be the largest of it's kind. I began my career with them having developed their entire IT infrastructure. Since that time, however, I've become involved in virtually all facets of their company (IT, marketing, finance, HR, etc).
Early 1999, the father/sons left Canada to start a US branch. To keep the story short, eventually the sons became sole owners of the US company and the father sole owner of the Canadian company. I continued to support both companies during this time.
The US business is in the same, niche industry and is also the market leader. Currently they are about a $5 million company, but would like that to grow to about $50 million in 3-5 years.
In March 2005, the father sold the Canadian assets to an independent Canadian. The father still owns the original corporation though. The new owner continues to employ me under a new corporate name, but the company and my job functions are primarily the same.
Since the purchase, I have maintained contact with the sons and have even performed some consulting tasks for them, after-hours. These were done with the "blessing" of my current employer, but the scope & details of the project were unknown to him.
Recently the US company offered me a job. This is a result of the proprietary nature of the system I originally designed and my further knowledge of this unique industry. They want me to help them grow to the $50 million company.
They want me to start soon (like Jan/Feb 2007), so that eliminates the H1B route for the time being. As far as I can tell, this only leaves me with the TN-MC route.
Am I right in thinking this? How hard would it be for me to get a TN-MC (given my "story")? Are my chances good for this?
Is my work experience enough? I know I'd need letters, since I have no degree. Since the father still owns the corporate name, could I have him do a letter? For obvious reasons I'd rather not have the current owner involved in this.
Also, I'm thinking this would be too much for me to handle myself. I'm assuming getting a lawyer involved in this scrutinized category is the best move? My prospective employer has stated they would pay my immigration costs.
Hopefully you made it through the whole post. Thanks!
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