Management Consultant is listed as one of the many professions that are eligible for a TN status. This means if you are a management consultant you should consider apply under the “Management Consultant” job category. If you aren’t exactly a management consultant but your job duties largely overlap with those of a management consultant, this job category may be right for you. However, it is one of the more scrutinized TN categories and may require some additional thought to produce the best application. The key for any TN visa application, regardless of the profession, is to be well-prepared.
Can I get a TN Visa as a management consultant?
The answer is: Yes! Getting a TN Visa for management consulting may be trickier than other roles depending on your educational background and job duties. We know many Canadian management consultants working in the US and we’re here to share their tips.
Factors that strengthen your TN Visa application for a management consultant role
There’s no sure way to get your application approved. However, there are several factors that will make your TN “Management Consultant” application package as strong as can be.
1. Education background
Many TN job categories require a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Given the rigid requirements for TN visas, the education you have can dictate which TN job categories you should apply under. For example, applying under the “Management Consultant” TN job category with a science degree will be heavily scrutinized. Typical degrees that work well within this job category include MBA, Bachelors of Business Administration, and Bachelors of Commerce.
2. Work experience
To strengthen your application, consider the skills you’ve gained from these past experiences and how they relate to your new role and the TN job category you are applying under. While most other job categories require some sort of post-secondary education, having five years of work experience can be used in place of a relevant degree for those applying as “Management Consultants”. This also means border agents will look more closely at how relevant your work experience really is to the Management Consulting profession. Refer to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook for more information about how the U.S. government classifies this profession.
3. Industry of your new employer
This is a factor that is not explicitly mentioned in the TN visa requirements but could support your application. For example, it might not be a good idea to apply under the “Management Consultant” TN job category if your firm is in an industry completely unrelated to consulting and/or does not provide consulting-type services. Some border agents will even go as far as visiting the website of your employer and determining for themselves whether the business is really in the consulting industry or not.
4. Job title
Your job title is a crucial element in your TN visa “Management Consultant” application. Generally speaking, the closer your job title is to the job category, the better. It sets a stronger first impressions on border agents, as your title is one of the first things they will see along with the TN job category. If your role is “Associate Consultant” on your application and you are applying under the “Management Consultant” job category, the agent processing your TN application will have a easier time making the connection. One important thing to note with this particular job category is that the job duties shouldn’t include actual managing of direct reports. Consultants are advisory in nature and engagements are usually temporary. A person applying as a “Management Consultant” who also manages direct reports definitely can raise a red flag in the eyes of an agent making a decision to grant TN status.
5. TN Petition Letter
All of the information above must be included in this TN petition letter. Whenever possible, demonstrate to the agents how your past work and school experience fit the TN category you are applying under. Beyond that, clearly highlight the job responsibilities that are applicable and related to your new position and the TN job category you are applying for. This also helps the border agent assess your application and see a fit between your skills from past consulting experiences and requirements for this new job.
Why is Management Consulting such a heavily scrutinized job category?
The list of applicable occupations hasn’t been updated since NAFTA came into force in the 1980s. As a result, the outdated list of valid job occupations restricts certain professions’ ability to obtain the TN Visa and work abroad in the US. Given that the “Management Consultant” category allows for five years of relevant work experience to stand in place of educational requirements and the general nature of a consultant’s work, it has become a catch all job category for the many jobs that don’t fit under the NAFTA agreement. With so many varied professions applying under one category, border agents have become weary of those abusing this job category.
Tips to get a TN Visa for Management Consultants
1. A well thought-out application is key
For the most part, some TN border agents acknowledge that the categories list is outdated and will strive to make the best decision for your application. This is why a complete, well-prepared application can make a world of difference in helping them get a better understanding of your role, background, and why it’s the right fit for the TN Visa category you are applying for.
2. Get reference letters
Given that your situation may be tricky, reference letters from past employers and industry leaders act as votes of confidence for your TN visa management consultant application. Your references should not lie and say you were previously a “Management Consultant” just so you can fit better under that category, as dishonesty will result in consequences. However, they can highlight the skills and responsibilities you had in a previous role to show how qualified you are for a Management Consultant role. Some job duties that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics acknowledges to be in the realm of management analysts (management consulting) include:
- Gather and organize information about the problems to be solved or the procedures to be improved
- Interview personnel and conduct onsite observations to determine the methods, equipment, and personnel that will be needed
- Analyze financial and other data, including revenue, expenditure, and employment reports
- Develop solutions or alternative practices
- Recommend new systems, procedures, or organizational changes
- Make recommendations to management through presentations or written reports
- Confer with managers to ensure changes are working
(source)
3. Highlight relevant past courses and certificates
Another item to highlight on your TN application if you have them are related courses or certifications to the TN job category you are applying under. For the “Management Consultant” TN job category, having a few business management courses like accounting or operations on your transcript will strengthen your application even if you don’t have an business degree. The same logic applies to other certifications, which add to your application’s credibility.
4. Anticipate questions and have your answers ready
This tip is for those applying for a TN visa for a management consulting role in-person at a border. A border agent will ask questions and you must answer on the spot. Mail-in TN visa “Management Consultant” applicants don’t need to worry about that. If you are worried about the strength of your application, you can anticipate questions you’ll be asked and brainstorm answers that will help you clearly and logically respond back on the day of your interview. Knowing the areas that might cause confusion or questioning and having a strong answer will help border agents better assess your application and fit for the TN visa category.
Related: TN Visa Interview Questions | 2024 Guide
5. Work with an experienced lawyer when possible
Many successful TN visa applicants worked with a lawyer for their applications. An experienced lawyer can be especially helpful for less conventional cases. They can help with documents like the TN petition letter and the overall presentation of your TN visa “Management Consultant” application. Most employers will cover lawyer fees, so be sure to ask yours about getting this extra help if that option is available to you. Experienced law firms can be a great asset to help you navigate and prepare your paperwork, as well as share their general expertise on all TN-related questions.