A Canadian business interest should be explained through the actual facts when assessing a U.S. professional offer. Foreign ownership is not a blanket TN disqualification, and TN is not general authorization for U.S. self-employment.
Draw the actual business relationships
Hypothetical example: an applicant owns a Canadian company and has an offer from a separately owned U.S. employer. Identify ownership, any contracts between the businesses and who will direct the applicant’s work. Do not conceal a relevant interest or assume an ownership certificate alone decides the case.
Assess the professional offer independently
Identify the listed TN profession, actual duties and precise qualification requirements, including permitted alternatives. Eligible Canadian or Mexican citizenship is required; Canadian permanent residence does not replace it. Business ownership or income does not establish a professional credential, and experience is not a universal substitute for a prescribed degree. Degrees from institutions outside Canada, Mexico or the United States require reliable foreign-credential evaluation; translation is separate.
Separate employment from other intended activity
Describe the work for the U.S. employer and any other business tasks contemplated while physically in the United States. Have the actual employment and any self-employment issue reviewed. A Canadian company’s contract or a prospective TN approval should not be assumed to authorize unrelated U.S. activity. Keep the final evidence consistent with the real offer. Services to a U.S. entity solely owned or controlled by the applicant are prohibited. A Canadian generally may seek TN admission without a TN visa, while a Mexican citizen generally needs the visa; temporary intent and any separate practice licence still matter.
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.