Read the general professional work overview
A Canadian business owner should disclose relevant ownership and describe the real professional services proposed in the United States. Foreign ownership alone is not a blanket TN disqualification, and it should not be confused with the actual U.S. self-employment analysis.
Identify the recipient and control
Hypothetical example: an owner keeps a Canadian consultancy while considering a U.S. professional offer. Services to a U.S. entity solely owned or controlled by the applicant are outside the permitted arrangement. Calling that entity a client or adding a supervisor does not cure a prohibited arrangement; identify genuine ownership and work facts.
Establish the professional requirements
TN requires eligible Canadian or Mexican citizenship and temporary listed work with the specific qualifications. Degrees from institutions outside Canada, Mexico and the United States require a reliable foreign credential evaluation. A Canadian business licence or corporate reputation does not replace the applicant’s actual credential or separate U.S. practice-authority analysis.
Describe actual location and permission
Explain the employer, compensation and intended activity accurately. A Canadian payment source or ongoing foreign business does not itself authorize work physically in the United States. Follow the applicable process and assess the real proposal before relying on the cross-border schedule.
What else is on your mind?
Is a matching job title enough for TN?Can years of experience replace a degree for TN?Can my own U.S. company employ me under TN?Can my spouse work if I hold TN status?Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.