Read the general eligibility basics overview
Different documents can establish citizenship, Canadian residence, qualifications or employment. Identify what each record actually proves before using it to assess a U.S. route.
Distinguish Canadian residence from nationality
Canadian permanent residence is not Canadian citizenship. TN requires Canadian or Mexican citizenship, a listed profession, prescribed qualifications and qualifying temporary work. Translating or summarizing a residence document should not describe its holder as a citizen unless that is independently true.
Keep treaty and transfer evidence in their proper roles
E-2 requires relevant treaty nationality and qualifying enterprise ownership, direction, capital and business conditions. L-1 requires related active businesses, individual qualifying foreign employment and the actual U.S. role. A Canadian residence record cannot replace those facts, and a foreign credential alone does not establish a qualifying company transfer.
Read family records and permission separately
A civil record can support a relationship without granting work authorization. Identify each person’s actual nationality, age, intended activity and proposed category. Accurate translations help explain evidence; they do not themselves create a dependent status or extend permission.
What else is on your mind?
Does Canadian permanent residence give me access to TN?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?Editorial source review: 2026-09-08. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.