Read the general professional work overview
A company may group different professional jobs under one internal code. Identify the applicant’s actual duties and the listed TN profession being considered before using the code to select credential evidence. An internal classification can explain the employer’s system without deciding immigration eligibility. Hypothetical example: a textile-dye chemist receives an offer under a broad “technical services” code, but the manager’s project notes show laboratory formulation work. The applicant must decide whether the employer can document the actual listed profession and its required credentials, or whether the proposed duties need further clarification before a TN request is made.
Ask what the code includes
Hypothetical example: an employer uses the same job code for engineers, project coordinators and technical sales staff. Ask the hiring manager to describe the particular position, its deliverables, supervision and work locations. Compare the offer with any detailed job description and explain why the internal label covers several functions. Do not assume every employee under that code qualifies for the same profession. Preserve the code description, the detailed job description and a short manager confirmation in the same review set. Those records show whether the code is only an administrative label or whether it masks a material difference in the offered role.
Select evidence for the actual profession
TN requires Canadian or Mexican citizenship, a listed profession, the qualifications accepted for that profession, prearranged professional employment and temporary entry. An employer’s compensation category is not an alternative credential route. A degree from an institution outside Canada, Mexico and the United States requires a reliable foreign-credential evaluation. Foreign-language records submitted to USCIS need full English translations certified for accuracy, completeness and translator competence. The first review should identify the credential rule for the chosen profession, the issuing institution and any evaluation or licence evidence needed. It should also separate documents proving nationality from documents proving professional qualification.
Keep the final description consistent with the employer’s records
Have the employer clarify the role without inventing a special job solely for the immigration file. Preserve the internal code where relevant and explain its limited meaning in a factual letter. Ask which credentials and employment details the reviewer still needs after the duties are settled. If the position changes, update the underlying facts rather than treating the original code as continuing proof of the same professional work. An eligible Canadian can request TN classification during inspection, while a U.S. employer can submit Form I-129 to USCIS in an appropriate case. TN does not permit self-employed work. Confirm the actual employer and ownership before deciding which procedure and evidence package fit the facts.
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.