Canadian citizens have it easier than most — TN at the border means same-day US work authorization for qualifying professions. But H1B has specific advantages Canadians should know.
**TN visa for Canadians (recap):** Present job offer letter at US port of entry. CBP officer admits you on TN status in minutes (usually). No USCIS filing, no fee, no advance approval. Valid 3 years, unlimited renewals. This is one of the best work visa deals in the world.
**When H1B beats TN for Canadians:** 1. Your profession is NOT on the TN list (e.g., certain healthcare specialties, some engineering sub-specialties) 2. You want dual intent (ability to pursue green card) — TN is technically non-immigrant intent 3. Your Canadian employer wants to send you to a US client under B-1 In Lieu of H1B rules 4. You want the H1B as a bridge to EB-1C (Multinational Manager green card)
**Green card path for Canadians:** No EB-2 or EB-3 backlog for Canadians — green card available in 1–3 years. Canadians can go TN → H1B (filed by US employer) → PERM → I-140 → I-485 in approximately 3–5 years total.
**Applying for H1B as a Canadian:** You participate in the same H1B lottery as everyone else. Being Canadian does not help or hurt odds. If selected, USCIS approves, and you get H1B visa at the border or US consulate in Canada (Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary).
**Practical note:** Most Canadian professionals in tech use TN for immediate authorization, then their employer transitions them to H1B when PERM/green card sponsorship begins. This is the standard practice.