Mr Rizzo, TN Visa for non degree person?

I am in a long distance relationship with my girlfriend who lives in NYC.
We have been looking for some way for me to be able to move there so that we can have a normal life together.

I am 22 years old, I have a high-school diploma, A+ certification (computer repairs), been working in a call center doing technical support for a year and a half. I love working with computers and do wish to continue in this field.

We are looking at the TN Visa, and wonder if I would be able to qualify if I can find an employer in the US.

Is there any other way that I would be able to move to the US and be able to work?

We had previously looked at student visa, but the requirements for it is having the full funds to pay for the first year, which to them is 23,000$ And I cannot work while in the US for the first year, but on the second I can appeal to the US consulate and "maybe" be allowed to work.

Me and my girlfriend have been together for 25 months and having to be apart is taking its tole. We need this to be able to have a normal life together.

Also, I know there is the marriage route, but we do not want to do that, as we would like to first have a life together and when the time is right to take that next step.

If anyone has any suggestions, success stories, more information it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.

If you can find employment as a computer engineering technician. You must fill a position which supports a degreed computer engineer or systems analyst or computer scientist. Computer techs and technologists qualify as TN Scientific Technicians (Engineering).

So, even though I do not have a degree, a year and a half of real work in the field, and only have A+ certification but did this during high school, as long as I can find a job that the position is one of those then I would be able to get a TN Visa?

Yes, all you need to prove is theoretical knowledge in computer engineering, which can be gained by academics or experience.

Sorry to sound like a broken record, but if I don't have a degree and don't have the 3 years experience, how can I prove that I have the theoretical knowledge?

Is the fact that a company will be hiring me for a position that requires someone who has that knowledge enough?

Theoretical knowledge just means you know about the basic concepts of computer engineering. The NAFTA parties have not elaborated yet but you can gain knowledge of computer engineering through real-world experience or courses. So if you completed 3 computer engineering courses I think that would be enough.