Getting TN for CSA category without a CS degree

Amazon
lyIw84

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lyIw84
Sep 19, 2021 5 Comments

Hello,

My wife holds the following degree: Bachelors of Commerce, Technology Management. She is currently on TD status with me and I'm working on TN as a software engineer (have a computer engineering degree).

What is everyone's viewpoint on how likely my wife's degree is considered acceptable for a computer systems analyst position (she is targeting data analytics, business intelligence style jobs). I personally believe it should be fine for the following reasons:

There is good amount of analytics and computer related course work relevant for a CSA position: https://businessandit.ontariotechu.ca/undergraduate/bachelor-of-commerce/technology-management/courses.php

There is no mention that a computer science degree is mandatory for computer systems analyst jobs. The TN rules don't specify a degree and just say it must be technology related. Her degree is a mix of business and tech, but I think that should suffice?

Suggested career opportunities listed by the school (ex: information systems analyst) for the degree are related to CSA jobs: https://businessandit.ontariotechu.ca/undergraduate/bachelor-of-commerce/technology-management/career-opportunities1.php.

The education section of the US government website for computer systems analyst says the following:
" Computer systems analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as mathematics. Because these analysts also are heavily involved in the business side of a company, it may be helpful to take business courses or major in management information systems. Some employers prefer applicants who have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems. For more technically complex jobs, a master’s degree in computer science may be more appropriate. Although many computer systems analysts have technical degrees, such a degree is not always a requirement. Many analysts have liberal arts degrees and have gained programming or technical expertise elsewhere.".
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Computer-and-Information-Technology/Computer-systems-analysts.htm#tab-4
To me this strongly suggests that a degree in business and tech is appropriate for a computer systems analyst position.

Considering the facts above what are the chances that my wife can qualify as a computer systems analyst with her degree? Am I right in thinking we are likely to be ok?

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TOP 5 Comments
  • Hulu
    whamm73

    Go to company page Hulu

    whamm73
    I’m on a TN as Computer Systems Analyst with a non-CS degree. Like the previous comment mentioned, it’s at the border officer’s discretion.
    Sep 19, 2021 2
  • There's actually no requirement in legislation that the degree matches the job title or category. Border agents have discretion to determine if the degree is a match.

    They've denied a lot of people for better matches in my opinion.
    Sep 19, 2021 1
    • Amazon
      lyIw84

      Go to company page Amazon

      lyIw84
      OP
      Yes I'm aware a specific degree is not required. Just has to be related. Realistically though you think we have a shot on the category? She can avoid going to the border as well and apply via i-129 from the US since she is already on TD status here with me. Is USCIS usually less risky?
      Sep 19, 2021