Read the general professional work overview
A Saint-Mathieu applicant may have a strong reference describing past work. Identify what that record establishes and what the proposed U.S. employer still needs to explain for the TN assessment. A first document review should produce a three-column list: proof of citizenship, proof of the listed profession’s required credential, and proof of the specific U.S. role. Canadians normally request TN classification during border inspection or preclearance; alternatively, a U.S. employer may pursue an I-129 filing with USCIS. The category does not allow the applicant to perform work for a U.S. business the applicant solely owns or controls. Hypothetical example: a forensic typography analyst has a detailed prior-employer reference but an offer that only says “consulting.” The decision is whether the employer will issue a duty-specific letter before travel.
Use the reference for the history it actually describes
Record the past employer, dates and actual responsibilities. Hypothetical example: the reference describes a broad prior role while the U.S. offer concerns a narrower professional assignment. Do not copy past duties into the new offer unless they are genuinely proposed. Ask the prior employer to confirm only facts it can support: title, dates, hours, responsibilities and signatory authority. A reference settles work history; it does not establish citizenship, the prescribed credential, or the terms of the future U.S. engagement.
Check the prescribed qualification for the listed profession
TN requires Canadian or Mexican citizenship and the profession’s actual qualification rules. Experience is not a universal replacement for a required degree. Degrees from institutions outside Canada, Mexico or the United States require reliable foreign-credential evaluation, distinct from translation. A favorable reference does not by itself resolve those requirements. Compare the transcript, degree, licence where applicable and credential evaluation to the exact profession entry before relying on experience. The decision is whether the available record meets that entry now or whether an additional official record must be obtained.
Obtain the actual U.S. arrangement
The new employer’s evidence should identify duties, compensation and intended temporary period. TN prohibits services to a U.S. entity solely owned or controlled by the applicant. A past reference can support relevant history without establishing the new employer’s terms or authorizing the U.S. work. Have the U.S. employer sign a role-specific letter that explains supervision, location, duties, compensation and the temporary period. Check the ownership records early; a polished letter cannot solve an arrangement that is prohibited self-employment in substance.
What else is on your mind?
Is a matching job title enough for TN?Can years of experience replace a degree for TN?Can my own U.S. company employ me under TN?Can my spouse work if I hold TN status?Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.