Do You Really Need a Lawyer for Your TN Visa Application?

Intro

Thinking about moving to the U.S. for work? For many Canadians, the TN visa is the fastest route - but the process can feel intimidating. Do you need to hire an immigration lawyer? The short answer: not always. For straightforward cases, you can absolutely do it yourself. For trickier situations, a lawyer might be worth the cost. Let’s break down when it makes sense to go DIY, and when professional help is the smarter move.

DIY vs. lawyer: when each makes sense.

When a Lawyer Does Make Sense

There are definitely situations where hiring a lawyer is the safer route. If you’re applying under unusual circumstances - like juggling multiple employers, switching into a new TN job category, or dealing with a past refusal - a lawyer can help you avoid costly mistakes. Some employers also require that support letters be drafted by legal counsel, in which case you may not have a choice. And of course, if spending $1,500–$3,000 for peace of mind feels worth it, then working with a lawyer can give you extra confidence walking up to the border.

When DIY Works Just Fine

For many Canadians, the TN process is actually very straightforward. If your job clearly falls under one of the listed TN categories, your degree matches the role, and your employer can provide a solid support letter, there’s often no need to hire a lawyer. First-time applicants with standard documentation can usually handle it themselves. The same goes for renewals - if nothing has changed since your last approval, a well-prepared packet is often all you need.

The Real “Decider” - The Letter

At the end of the day, the support letter is often what makes or breaks your application. Border officers don’t have hours to review your entire packet - they scan the letter first, and it shapes their impression right away. A clear, consistent, and professional letter can make a DIY application just as strong as one prepared by a lawyer. In other words, if your letter does the heavy lifting, the rest of your case usually falls into place.

Cost vs Value

Lawyers typically charge anywhere from $1,500–$3,000 to prepare a TN application. For some, that price is worth the reassurance. On the other end, going fully DIY costs nothing but your time - though if your support letter isn’t clear, the risk of extra questions or even a denial goes up. Then there’s the middle ground: using tools and templates designed to help you draft a letter the way a lawyer would, but at a fraction of the cost.

Bottom Line

You don’t always need a lawyer to get approved for a TN visa. What matters most is being organized, consistent, and having a clear support letter. If your case is straightforward, DIY plus the right resources is usually enough. That’s exactly why I built this tool - to help you create a lawyer-quality support letter without the lawyer-level fees. Ready to try it for yourself? Start your letter here.