An offer with stock compensation needs two parallel readings: what professional work is proposed, and what rights the worker will hold in the enterprise. The documents should explain both without pretending an unsigned future grant is current ownership. Hypothetical example: an orthotist receives an offer from a US mobility clinic and a promise of deferred share units. Before choosing an admission date, the orthotist must decide whether the professional credential, clinical licence, employer relationship, and unit terms can all be shown from current records. The answer should be based on signed documents, not on the recruiter's description of future equity.
Identify the rights at each stage
For a hypothetical Kelowna applicant, options might vest over several years while a voting agreement takes effect immediately. Obtain the grant, shareholder agreement and current ownership table. Identify voting power, control arrangements and changes expected before the proposed US work begins; a percentage on a compensation slide may omit decisive rights. Make a stage-by-stage checklist: citizenship and profession first, employer relationship next, then the procedure that fits the real case. TN does not permit the applicant to operate a self-directed US business through the professional role.
Prove the occupation independently
Ownership review does not replace TN qualification. Supply Canadian or Mexican citizenship evidence, the listed profession’s required credentials, and an employer account of duties, remuneration and intended duration. A professional title alone does not establish that the job falls within the list, and experience cannot replace education whenever the applicant prefers. Ask which record independently proves each point: passport for citizenship, the specified credential for qualification, and a duties statement for the position. If a foreign credential needs evaluation, obtain it before relying on a comparison statement.
Resolve the employer relationship
TN does not authorize self-employment through a solely or controllingly owned US enterprise receiving the services. Have the actual rights and arrangements assessed before relying on the offer. Preserve accurate documents if terms change; do not quietly remove equity from the immigration account while leaving it in the binding agreement. Read every ownership and control document that is effective on the intended work date. A later grant may be immaterial today, but it should be described accurately rather than omitted from a file that already discusses compensation.
What else is on your mind?
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?Can my spouse work if I hold TN status?Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.