What is a contractor visa?

Hi all,

I'm a Canadian recently hired by a company in California to do some interaction design (essentially software interface/graphic design) work. The company's lawyer doesn't believe the TN visa (graphic design) would work for me. Though didn't explain why.

They suggested I try out this 'contracting visa', with a contracting company they work with (on the request that a client wants me down there).

Does anyone know what this contracting visa is? And what is the likelihood that I will get this?

Thanks in advance.

"We have no idea what we're talking about and don't like immigration paperwork, try using one of our contractors who is more familiar with it."

Which basically means you get a TN-1 with them. If you explain how simple TN-1 is to the original company they might relent.

Steve,

I have tried to explain how simple the TN is, but their private lawyers seem to get the final say. It's a big company and I don't know if I can/if it's my place to ask to speak to their lawyers.