TN Visa - Education Requirements

[simsd]

TNDV2008 is absolutely right.

I'll be brutally honest. Most Americans don't know sh*t about federal law. All they know is that you need a driver's license and a social security number to work - and that's because they have them. They don't realize that if you're not from here, you can't get a social security card or driver's license without a work permit. It drives me nuts. It's like a broken record. They think that all of the illegal immigrants just have to fill out paperwork and the magic will happen. They have no clue what is required.

If you are meeting with a lawyer, make sure it one that's not just an immigration lawyer, but one who is familiar with the TN process and ways to work the system.

Try Joe Grasmick in Buffalo or Brian Zuccaro.

Again, it should be just any immigration lawyer but one who really know the TN

 

[MoOkSiRe]

I was hired as a "consultant" in Computer Systems Analyst (CSA) in 2003...This was with 5 yrs experience in C++, Java, SAS, COBOL, JCL...all the heavy duty stuff. All these had been acquired in actual work experience plus formal corporate training with supporting certificates.

The headhunter assured me that with all that experience, it was gonna be a breeze and "they do it all the time". MY NAIVE SELF, quit my job, and packed (with all the required stuff) and one thing missing...A DEGREE/CERTIFICATE.

Showed up @ pearson airport on a flight to Redmond, Washington. Got pulled aside, led into an evaluation office. Everthing was reviwed, and finally the officer said..."very impressive resume, so may I see your degree from University of Toronto?"...."well, Sir, I am 5 credits short of my degree, but I have contacted University of Washington, and they will allow me to enroll and get transfer credits to UoT where I will graduate". The officer looked at me and said..."Did you review the requirements for CSA?"....I responded, "Yes, Sir I did". He pulls out the list and goes..."Son, I am sorry I will have to decline your application, since you are missing this item here....a Degree/Certificate".

It almost felt like I had been fired....real sucky!...but, got a hold of myself, called the headhunter told him what happened, nursed my feelings for a week, then enrolled in school that January, did all the 5 remaining classes and got my degree. With that piece of paper that usually is hung on a frame on the wall, I went back 2 years later, run into the SAME officer, and he said..."I remember you, did I not issue you a TN?"

Long story short, You need to have all your ducks in a row, and dont let a recruiters smooth talking give you dreams about getting a TN (even with a lawyer beside you) if you dont have all objectively verifiable requirements. Lawyers are for subjective evaluation, where you can challenge based on "unfair" treatment.

I hope my experience will help your quest for a TN. Good Luck.

hello

thanks for posting your experience, and it has help. i do know that i will not be applying for a CSA, and just a MC.

I will probably do the same as you, and finish my school but in the United States.

Did you get your TN, and are you located in WA now? Have you renewed your TN yet?

 

[simsd]

Don't discount the scientific technician. Read up on it and see if you can spin the position into that.

 

[MoOkSiRe]

Don't discount the scientific technician. Read up on it and see if you can spin the position into that.

I thought about it, but I havent taken any science classes, or related science classes. I do not believe my director is an engineer. To further complicate the matter, I do not know much about computer related theories. I believe all of the above will complicate my situation, so I have ruled out that TN visa choice.

Thanks

 

[simsd]

What classes have you taken? It's not as "Scientific" as you think. And there doesn't necessarily have to be an "Engineer" on staff. But think about it anyway.

So I take it you were in Ontario when you went to school. Correct? If so where?

How long to finish your diploma requirements?

 

[MoOkSiRe]

What classes have you taken? It's not as "Scientific" as you think. And there doesn't necessarily have to be an "Engineer" on staff. But think about it anyway.

So I take it you were in Ontario when you went to school. Correct? If so where?

How long to finish your diploma requirements?

I have taken a multitude of computer courses, examples would including business computing, office applications, graphics applications, Internet applications, database applications, networking, programming, A+, and other system analysis courses. I took a broad range of courses, which were all computer related.

Yes I went to school in Ontario @ Sheridan College.

I have been in contact with the academic advisors, and am currently under advisory. They will update me on what routes I should take in order to complete my diploma requirements.

I have told them that I am not opposed to transferring my credits to another institute, but I would only consider that as my last resort.

 

[MoOkSiRe]

To better understand the management consultant visa, I would like to pose this question.

Please correct me if Im wrong...

A management consultant is a person which advises management on problems and procedures, but does not partake in the implementation. Their role is an advisory role.

As per the Management Consultant checklist - PART 8
LINK - http://www.naftatnlawyer.com/nafta-tn-blog/2006/4/13/management-consultant-tn-checklist.html

If non-degreed, does the applicant have five years relevant experience as a management consultant documented by previous employment letters or professional credentials? Or does the applicant have five years experience in a field of specialty related to the consulting agreement documented by previous employment letters or professional credentials?

I have over 5+ years in technical support, positions included customer support specialist, help desk, technical support, trainer, assistant network administrator, network administrator.

If I am offered a position under the Management Consultant category as a Help Desk Support Consultant, will my above experience support the relevance of applying for a TN Visa in the Management Consultant category.

Thanks

 

[TNDV2008]

I will probably do the same as you, and finish my school but in the United States.

Did you get your TN, and are you located in WA now? Have you renewed your TN yet?

I would say look into getting some sort of certification. This gives credence to your claim that u are indeed knowledgeable in the area of specialization. I am not sure help desk experience is strong enough, but I could be wrong.

As far as your question about my TN, yes I got it (Oct 2004)

I graduated from the UoT with a BA in Econometrics & Data Analysis, which allowed me to get a TN as an Economist (combined with SAS programming & analytical background). I am in Atlanta as a Risk Manager, with heavy bias in Analytics & Strategy Development.

Just prepare yourself, and when you go...people will tell you how "lucky" u were, which we all know...luck is created by those well prepared.