TN visa for Software Engineer role with Mechanical Engineering degree

ambujakshi92

ambujakshi92

New Member
I’ve a 4 year Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree. I just got a Software Engineer offer from US company. My company is applying for I-129 pre-approval through premium processing. If I get approval, which other documents should I bring to port of entry along with Passport, I-797, offer letter, degree certificate and transcripts? Do I still need a Support letter on company letter head?

Looking at a previous post, OP was denied TN because officer felt Mechanical Engineering degree is not sufficient for Software Engineer role. This has got me worried. I understand that CBP officers have ultimate authority to deny entry even with I-129 pre-approval, however, how often do CBP officers scrutinize USCIS pre-approval?

Also, I’m planning for a preview trip to get my TN and then return to Canada to resign from my current employer. How far in advance of the joining date, can I do this trip?
 
You should bring all documentation that was sent wit the petition, since, essentially, you will need to re-prove your case, which is why is never suggest filing I-129 from outside US (ie. "pre-approval). The border has complete final say on TN when you do it this way.

Your TN clock starts the day of approval (unless a specific starting date was requested), so you go when you can
 
nelsona said:
You should bring all documentation that was sent wit the petition, since, essentially, you will need to re-prove your case, which is why is never suggest filing I-129 from outside US (ie. "pre-approval). The border has complete final say on TN when you do it this way.

Your TN clock starts the day of approval (unless a specific starting date was requested), so you go when you can
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Thank you. I’m currently in Canada. Hence I’ll need to go through POE.

Also, on the topic of Mechanical Engineering degree for Software Engineer job. Would it be a problem? My prospective employer hires a lot of Software Engineers and the role is Software Engineer and not CSA or Programmer.
 
Obviously you are in Canada, otherwise the I-129 would be for approval, not pre-approval. Pre-approval is a waste of time, unless you live in the far north and can't drive to a border or fly to your job directly.

I believe you will notice on your pre-approval that there is already a start/end date. If the start date has already past, they will not extend it at the border. It will only be approved until the end date, that is why I said you are to go as soon as you can. Waiting doesn't buy you any extra TN time.

If the Software position requires your education as a mechanical engineer, then, yes. Otherwise no.

If you are designing business or game software, probably not. If you are designing Nuclear or HVAC software, then yes.
 
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