Read the general eligibility basics overview
A Canadian residence record, corporate document and passport establish different facts. Start with the actual person proposing U.S. activity rather than the location of the employer or business.
Keep citizenship distinct from residence
Canadian permanent residence is not Canadian citizenship. A professional offer does not supply TN nationality eligibility: the principal must be Canadian or Mexican and satisfy the actual listed profession’s conditions. A Canadian company’s incorporation cannot be used as the employee’s personal nationality evidence.
Ask the nationality question required by the route
E-2 depends on relevant treaty nationality and the enterprise’s qualifying ownership, alongside the investment and development-and-direction conditions. L instead needs qualifying related organizations, individual foreign employment and an appropriate U.S. role. Ownership of a Canadian business does not decide either complete case. Identify which person will apply and which entity will employ them or receive their investment.
Assess each traveller’s documents separately
A spouse or child may have a different nationality and process from the principal. Record the actual relationship, citizenship and intended activity before assigning tasks to a relocation provider. If a passport is being renewed, identify that as pending rather than assuming the expected document is already available. An application or residence card does not independently authorize the proposed U.S. work.
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.