IN THIS GUIDE · The institution named in the offer letter decides the teacher category
Start with the TN eligibility and application overview
Read the profession entry exactly as written
The Appendix 2 entry reads Teacher — College, Seminary, University, with a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree as the credential. No teaching licence, no education degree and no minimum experience are attached to it. That is generous on one side and strict on the other: a bachelor's degree in any field can support it, but a job at a school district, a private secondary school or a tutoring company is outside the entry entirely, however qualified the teacher is. A letter that describes teaching adults at a college has to be true; if the post is really at a high school run by a college board, say so and assess a different classification. A first review should produce a two-column comparison: each duty in the offer on one side and the Teacher—College entry on the other. The course catalogue, employment classification and reporting line settle whether the post belongs to the college rather than a secondary-school program. That comparison also prevents a well-intended title from carrying duties that the profession entry does not cover.
Ask the college to say what it is
Immigration officers read the letter, not the college's website. The letter should be on institutional letterhead, name the accredited college, state the department, the courses and their level, the start and end dates, and the salary. It should describe duties as teaching, course preparation and student assessment. If the same person will also coordinate a dual-enrolment program taught inside high schools, describe that share honestly; a small related duty rarely changes the analysis, but a job that is mostly delivered in secondary classrooms does.
Keep the other TN conditions in view
Canadian citizenship, not permanent residence, is required. The position must be prearranged and temporary in intent, which a fixed-term contract shows well. TN does not permit U.S. self-employment, and every ownership stake in the U.S. employer must be disclosed; the teacher must not own a controlling interest in the college. Canadians can apply directly at a port of entry with the letter and degree, or the college can file Form I-129; no visa stamp is needed. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany in TD status, may study, and may not work.
Sources reviewed 2026-09-07. This guide covers a preparation focus; it is not an individual eligibility assessment.