Can I continue receiving a scholarship from Canada while on TN status?

When it comes to the TN visa, it is essential to understand both the restrictions and possibilities associated with your situation. The TN visa was created to allow professionals from certain sectors to work in the United States under specific conditions, which means that your principal activity must be linked to the employer who sponsored the visa.

Regarding the continuation of receiving a scholarship from Canada while maintaining TN status, this is generally feasible, as scholarships are usually considered sources of passive income or financial support, and not paid work or provision of services that characterize employment. However, it is important to evaluate some points:

1. The nature of the scholarship: If the Canadian scholarship is intended for research, academic studies, or training without requiring active return that equates to labor activity, normally there are no issues. However, if the scholarship includes functions that may be interpreted as paid work (even sporadically) and are not directly linked to your position authorized by the TN visa, this situation may require a more detailed analysis.

2. Compatibility with visa regulations: The TN requires that you maintain an employment relationship with the sponsor in the United States, and activities outside the scope of the visa should be carefully assessed. It is important to ensure that the scholarship does not characterize labor activity that has not been approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

3. Tax and regulatory implications: Receiving income or financial support from another country while you are in the US may have implications both from a tax perspective and in complying with visa conditions. It is recommended to verify how this type of income should be declared and how it may affect your immigration or tax status in the US.

I always emphasize the importance of strictly following immigration laws and tax regulations. In situations like this, it is prudent to consult official sources from the US and Canadian governments or seek the guidance of specialized professionals, who can provide a comprehensive analysis of your case without promising results or offering guarantees. This way, you reduce the risk of falling victim to scams or marketing campaigns that promise quick and foolproof solutions.

Remembering that each case has its particularities, a detailed analysis of your personal situation is fundamental to making informed and safe decisions.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.