Of the numerous professions that are eligible for a TN visa, marketing is not listed as one of them. However, that doesn’t mean marketing professionals cannot get a TN visa and work in the US. The key for any TN visa application, regardless of the profession, is to be well-prepared. This is especially important for jobs like marketing that are not explicitly stated in the list of eligible professions.
We’ve included tips below, but please feel free to reach out to us as well for any additional TN visa questions for your marketing role. Just fill out the brief contact form at the end of the post!
Can I get a TN Visa for a marketing role?
The short answer is: Yes, absolutely! Getting a TN Visa for marketing is not as straight-forward as some other roles, but it’s definitely possible. We’ve spoken with many Canadian marketers working in the US who have successfully received theirs, so don’t be discouraged.
Factors that strengthen your TN Visa application for a marketing role
There’s no secret formula to get your application approved. However, there are several factors that will make your TN marketing 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 Communications degree will be heavily scrutinized. A TN job category like “Technical Writer” on the other hand is known to be less strict on educational background.
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. For some TN job categories, having enough relevant work experience can offset the requirement of having a degree in a related field. Keep this workaround in mind when trying to decide which TN job category is most relevant 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 could support your application for a marketing 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 marketing 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 “Marketing 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, 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 marketing experiences and requirements for this new job.
Why is marketing not a profession under the TN Visa?
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. Digital marketers, product managers, designers, and customer success managers are just some of the many roles not reflected in the list. Nonetheless, there are a few existing categories that roles like marketing and product management can still apply under.
Tips to get a TN Visa for Marketing
1. A well thought-out application is key
For the most part, some TN border officers 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 marketing application. Your references should not lie and say you were previously a “Technical Writer” 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 Technical Writer role. For positions like marketing, 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
Another item to highlight on your TN marketing application if you have them is related courses or certifications to the TN job category you are applying under. For the “Technical Writer” TN job category, having a few past writing courses on your transcript will strengthen your application even if you don’t have an English or Communications-related 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 marketing role in-person at a border. A border officer will ask questions and you must answer on the spot. Mail-in TN visa marketing 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. We’ve written a post covering common TN visa interview questions to prepare for as well as some tips for how to best answer them. Make sure you go in prepared for any questions about your marketing TN visa.
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 marketing application. Many employers will help 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.
If you have any other general questions related to your TN visa marketing 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 reach out.