Ask HN: Do you need a degree/diploma for a TN-1 (or other work) Visa?
I'm from Canada and looking for input from someone with experience getting a TN-1, or similar, work visa (with or without a degree).
The government website seems pretty clear that I'll need at least a diploma to get a TN-1 visa
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/employment/nafta.html
Trying to weigh these 2 options:
[0] General consensus I've seen on HN and elsewhere is that a degree isn't necessary to be a successful developer. I have a family so 2-4 years of schooling isn't a small sacrifice at this point.
However
[1] The US job market for software seems significantly larger and more lucrative than Canada's. 2-5 years of sacrifice could easily be made up with access to US job market.
Also, I already have a B.A. (Christian studies) and soon will have an M.A. (Biblical Counselling). They are unrelated fields, but thought I'd mention it in case it makes a difference.
15 comments
[ 5.1 ms ] story [ 50.9 ms ] threadFair warning, as i wish someone had told me exactly this when i got my own TN-1: Any given border agent has the power to repeal said visa for any reason, without oversight. If they have a bad day at the border, they may elect, at any time, to permanently repeal it.
In my case, i was asked by my employer to remain in the US for the length of the visa, as me being potentially unable to get back to the office was considered to be a business risk. Needless to say, that was rather displeasing, and eventually led to my departure from the company.
You just use the kiosk.
The main issue you'll have is resume screening -- so try to network to a job instead (or have a very compelling programming job application that makes your unrelated BA make you look well-rounded.)
There are also remote jobs in the US. Most would probably hire from Canada.
Are you talking about getting a job with a company or getting across the border? What you say reflects what I've heard about getting work without a degree, I'm just concerned I won't be able to get the appropriate visas based on what the US government websites state.
Thanks for the reply!
Probably you should engage a US immigration lawyer with expertise in this visa to help you out. They would know how to assemble the best application for your situation.
Perhaps one way to help yourself is to find articles written by prominent US software leaders saying that any BA is fine (I bet you can find Steve Jobs saying something like that).
I was able to obtain TN status at the time through the Sci/Tech category. It was a little bit different then the traditional Analyst category but it worked.