TN visa without a degree?

YUP5588
New Member



Joined: 26 May 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Vancouver

Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 1:18 pm

 

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So here's my situation -

I work in IT for a very large video game developer that has studios in Canada and the US and a position just opened at our studio in Florida.

I was contacted by the recruiter from the US studio to give some more information and she was going to talk to the company's immigration lawyers to see if I'm eligible for a work visa.

The position I am applying for is a Desktop Support Technician position. I have a certificate in Human Resource Management and a certificate in Management Development, I have 5 years experience in the IT industry (including one year at this company), but no degree or diploma in an IT related field.

Do you think I'll be eligible for a TN visa? What are my options with what I have?

Thanks for the help.

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alvinzho
New Member



Joined: 28 Apr 2008
Posts: 6

Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 7:56 pm

 

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Maybe you can get the L1?

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YUP5588
New Member



Joined: 26 May 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Vancouver

Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 7:53 am

 

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I have thought about an L1 - what are the required documents for an L1? I read that you have to have worked for the company for one year in the past three years - is that right?

If I did try for a TN would I be able to apply under the Sci-Tech profession as my job would be directly supporting Software Engineers and Audio Engineers?

Thanks for the help.

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1368
Location: Calgary

Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 10:37 am

 

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Yeah if it's temporary L-1B sounds more sensible. The problem with L-1B is that it is only valid for a maximum of five years. L-1 is pretty simple for Canadians, you can apply at the POE ($820). You need proof of the transfer to the US and yes, you must have worked for them for a year outside of the US.

The advantage of L-1B is that it is dual status, so they can sponsor you for permanent residency, but there is such a backlog of applications under EB-3 that you have to basically start the process for that in the first year you are there. IT Support in Florida is not that uncommon a job, so doing the labour certification would be difficult.

Alternatively while you're there on L-1B, go to night school and get a degree if you need it to get TN-1.
_________________
Steve.

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YUP5588
New Member



Joined: 26 May 2008
Posts: 5
Location: Vancouver

Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 3:56 pm

 

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Does the year of work have to be continuous?

I was with the company from April 30th 2007 to April 11th 2008 and then back on May 05th to the present - so more than a year now.

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Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1368
Location: Calgary

Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 9:31 pm

 

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Yeah that would qualify. You have to show that the US company is related to the Canadian company to prove the "intracompany" transfer bit, but from the sounds of it that would be easy in your case.
_________________
Steve.

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