Read the general eligibility basics overview
A short biography may describe a person as Canadian when the intended meaning is residence. Use the actual citizenship and immigration status in a category assessment rather than an informal label. The first review should make an individual fact sheet for every proposed principal and family member: passport nationality, Canadian status, relationship, role in the business, and intended U.S. activity. The decision is whether the person has the category-specific fact that is actually required, rather than whether a biography uses a convenient national label.
Record the precise personal facts
Canadian permanent residence is not Canadian citizenship. TN requires the principal to be Canadian or Mexican and meet the listed profession’s conditions. A summary of years living in Canada cannot replace nationality evidence. Use the passport and citizenship evidence to settle nationality, then keep permanent-residence documents in their proper role. Hypothetical example: a permanent resident who operates a mobile dental-laboratory service is described by a customer as Canadian. That description does not establish citizenship for TN; the decision is whether a different category must be assessed.
Keep company-transfer and investor tests separate
L requires qualifying foreign employment, related organizations and appropriate U.S. capacity, with continuing international business. E-2 requires relevant treaty nationality, qualifying ownership, investment and direction. A Canadian business history does not automatically supply every one of those conditions. For L, obtain the corporate records, foreign-employment chronology, and proposed U.S. duties; the individual generally needs one continuous qualifying foreign year during the relevant three-year lookback. For E-2, examine treaty nationality and enterprise ownership as well as lawfully sourced capital that is committed, at risk, and directed to a real nonmarginal business.
Check the wording for each intended traveller
Hypothetical example: a household summary applies the same nationality to all members despite different passports. Preserve the actual individual facts and dependent process. A shared address or collective label does not establish identical visa-document requirements. Compare each traveller’s passport, civil relationship record, and intended timing before choosing a filing sequence. A family member’s Canadian residence, funds, or business history does not automatically supply the principal’s citizenship, qualifying employment, or investor ownership. The concrete decision is whether the person travels as a qualifying dependent or needs an independently supportable route.
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: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.