In your experience, how necessary is it for Canadians and Mexicans applying for a TN Visa, to be accepted for Software Engineer or Computer Systems Analyst jobs without a degree in computer science or engineering? For example, I have a B.Comm degree.
I've heard it's a bit hit and miss and if you don't have a good lawyer working on your side getting through might be tough. I'm not sure if it's a different story for H1B Visas though.
Mexicans must apply for TN visas and Canadians have the option of filing TN petitions with USCIS. As a general rule both the Consulates in Mexico and USCIS are very reasonable when it comes to TN applications, so the short is yes, it definitely can work but yes (not to sound too self-serving), I would recommend using a lawyer under these circumstances.
I'm not a lawyer, but as a Canadian that does not have a degree in Comp Sci and has been looking for work in the United States since 2006, I'd like to share my experience.
In a nutshell, I've been told time and again that having a degree will help, although how much one that isn't related to your discipline may not be worth much more then the paper it's printed on. To give my experience, I've been told by multiple companies within the last year that it's basically no Comp Sci (or equivalent two year college course), no chance. Your degree in an unrelated field might help a bit, but I wouldn't put much weight in it when it comes to immigration VISA time.
So have you ever managed to get a TN or H1B Visa opportunity in the US?
Everything I hear sounds so anecdotal it's hard to get a grip on what matters. Hopefully the more applied years helps too (I have 6). Still, it sounds like getting in may be a matter of strong-arming through law/lawyers.
IANAL, but I can say that I obtained a TN Visa, and renewed it twice, for a Software Engineer job without a degree in Computer Science. I do have a BS and a MS in Civil and Aerospace Eng. respectively.
I've heard it's a bit hit and miss and if you don't have a good lawyer working on your side getting through might be tough. I'm not sure if it's a different story for H1B Visas though.