Category help?

Hi All, first time here. Thanks for great info.

I have worked on TN before (3 years back) as a software engineer (on letter) and stamped as computer scientist on I-94 (not even sure if its a valid category). I believe things are not smooth as then, now I have a similar offer in line.

My degree is in Electrical Engineering (Bachelors of Science) from Toronto, and I have been primarily working in IT for last 6-7 years as Systems Admin. The job I am targeting (already at 3rd interview) for is of administration of Windows, Unix Server etc. No programming, mostly administration, troubleshooting, implementation of software, networking, security tools.

- Can you please advice on the proper category that I should ask the employer to create the letter for?
- And does it mandatory need to say 3 years of offer to get a 3 year TN. I understand its minimum 1 year engagement that’s required?

Thanks you for your time - R

your job category is clearly CSA. However, you do not necessarily have the education prerequisites to get a TN in that category, so you will havce to show by your course load that you are CSA. Previous experience doesn't help.

Not an enviable position.

TNs are no harder to get now for CSA than before, its just that you were not CSA before, and now you are trying to be.

There is no minimum duration for TN. If you are hired for a week and need TN, a TN will be issued for 1 week. 3 years is the maximum.

You may have to get an H1-b to work as CSA.

Thanks for your quick reply. Would Computer Engineer be a sufficient category to suffice ? As Computer Engineer is closest to curriculum to Electrical and many Electrical Engineers do end up working in ITComputer engineering related fields.

I do have transcripts to show that I took computer science courses. Is that what you mean by course load?

Still thinking if a category with word Engineer, be a better way to apply or CSA ? CSA is something I am worried about as thats where many people have problems with. During my both previous attempts (2006,07) I applied as Computer and Software Engineer and was lucky enough to get TN both times, I suppose because the officer was looking more towards my legit North American Degree and nicely done letter from the hiring company.

thanks again for your feedback -R

Except that you aren't doing engineering, you are doing CSA.

Try and see.

thanks for your input so far. One last question

How about if I was doing computer engineering related such as Designing networks, architecture layout etc. Would this be good to go with Electrical Engineering Degree. My Employer is very co-operative in getting me there, so I would like to avoid as much quesitonong as possible.
thanks -R

Your job duties are your job duties. CBP can often sniff out a CSA from an Engineer.

I would not suggest putting down a set of job duties for TN and then perform a different set.

If your major is in Electrical Engineering, then you are an Electrical Engineer not a CSA. This is really quite easy. If you can demonstrate a fairly substantial computer course load on your academic transcript, then you might also be able to enter as a Computer Systems Analyst.

CBP in the past has adjudicated such TN's via case law and the post 9/11 directives issued to the Class A ports requiring the degree be in the field.

A TN beneficiary would typically present a Computer Science major for entry as a CSA not an Electrical Engineering degree.

It may actually come down to what is on your transcript and whom you encounter as an adjudicator at the port of entry.