There are many professions that are eligible for a TN visa but product managment is not listed as one. Despite this, plenty of product managers have obtained TN status and work in the US today. As always, the key for any TN visa application, regardless of the profession, is to be well-prepared. This is important for jobs like product management that are not directly listed as a job category for the TN.
We’ve included tips below, but please feel free to contact us for any additional TN visa questions for your product management role. Just fill out the form at the end of the post!
Can I get a TN Visa as a product manager?
The short answer is: Yes, of course! Getting a TN Visa as a product manager is not as clear-cut as some other roles, but it’s very doable. We’ve know many Canadian product managers working in the US who have successfully received theirs, so don’t be discouraged.
Factors that strengthen your TN Visa application for a product management role
There’s no secret sauce for getting your application approved. However, there are many factors that will make your TN 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 strict requirements for TN visas, your education is a big influence on which TN job categories you should apply under. For example, applying under the “Computer Systems Analyst” TN job category without a technical degree like a Bachelor of Computer Science will be scrutinized.
2. Work experience
To strengthen your application, consider the skills you’ve gained from prior experiences and how they apply to your new role and the TN job category you’ve selected. For some TN job categories, having enough relevant work experience can replace the requirement of having a degree in a related field. Keep this in mind when trying to decide which TN job category is most suitable for your new role and your existing skillset.
3. Industry of your new employer
This is a factor that is not explicitly mentioned in the TN visa requirements but do impact your application for a product role. 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.
4. Job title
Your job title is a crucial element in your TN visa product manager 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 “Rotational Product Manager” on your application and you are applying under the “Technical Writer” job category, the agent processing your TN application will have a harder time understanding the connection between the two.
5. TN Petition Letter
All of the information above must be included in this TN petition letter. Whenever possible, help border agents see how your past work and school experience fit the TN category you are applying under. Beyond that, clearly highlight the job responsibilities that are related to your new position and the TN job category you are applying for. This also helps the border agent assess your application and make the connection between your skills from past product experiences and the stated requirements for this new job.
Why is product management not a profession under the TN Visa?
The list of applicable occupations hasn’t been updated since NAFTA came into effect in the 80s. As a result, the archaic list of valid job occupations restricts certain professions’ ability to obtain the TN Visa and work abroad in the US. Product managers, product designers, and business operations associates are just some of the many roles not reflected in the list. Nonetheless, there are a few existing categories that product managers can apply under.
What are common job categories for product management roles?
The Computer Systems Analyst and Technical Writer job categories are two common ones for product managers because the job duties that are defined by those categories largely overlap with the responsibilties of product managers. To read more about how these job duties are defined, check out our post on the list of TN professions.
Tips to get a TN Visa for Product Managers
1. A well thought-out application is key
TN border officers tend to acknowledge that the categories list is outdated and will strive to make the best decision for your application. This is why a 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 product management application. Your references should not lie and say you were previously a “Computer Systems Analyst” 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 Computer Systems Analyst role. For positions like product management, having credible sources highlight skills you have related to the TN job category you are applying under goes a long way.
3. Highlight relevant past courses and certificates
Something else to highlight on your TN product management application if you have them are related courses and/or certifications relevant to the TN job category you are applying under. For the “Computer Systems Analyst” TN job category, having technical computer related courses on your transcript will strengthen your application even if you don’t have a formal degree in the field. There have been Canadians who have crossed the border with a Bachelors in an adjacent field but were able to demonstrate that they’ve completed enough coursework that’s relevant to the Computer Systems Analyst job category. The same logic applies to non-academic 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 product manager role in-person at a border. A border officer will ask questions and you must answer on the spot. Mail-in TN visa product manager applicants don’t need to interview. One tactic to prepare is to 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. We’ve written a post covering common TN visa interview questions that you should prepare for as well as some tips for how to best answer them. Make sure you go in ready for any questions about your product manager TN application.
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 unconventional cases. They can help with documents like the TN petition letter and the overall presentation of your TN visa application. Most employers will help cover lawyer fees, so be sure to ask yours about getting extra help if that option is available. Law firms can be a great asset to help you navigate and prepare your paperwork, as well as share their expertise on all TN-related questions.
If you have any other general questions related to your TN visa product management application, we’d be happy to help. Feel free to connect with us by filling out the quick form below so we know how to contact you.