Question about the NAFTA TN Occupation list

OK, so I'm looking into working in the US for a year or two (not permanent) and am just getting into all this information and I'm a little confused. I understand the H1B is for 6 years, and there...

Goto page 1, 2 Next

Canadian Expatriate and Travellers Forum Index -> Canadians in the USA -> US Visas and Immigration

Author Message

Kimmer75
New Member

Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 4
Location: SW Ontario

Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 5:59 pm

OK, so I'm looking into working in the US for a year or two (not permanent) and am just getting into all this information and I'm a little confused.

I understand the H1B is for 6 years, and there are very few available, and I would have to have a job first, and they apply for it.

The TN is where I get confused. I realize it's for professionals, and I've read the list. What I don't understand is if it's JUST for Architects, or Engineers etc, or if it covers that field of work. I'm an Architectural Technologist, graduated from College and have 10+ years in experience working as a Mechanical designer for an engineering firm. Do I qualify for a TN or not?

Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 806
Location: Calgary

Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 11:16 am

It can cover the field of work, there's a big master list of occupations that USCIS uses that clarify the categories in 8 CFR 214.6, you'll need to scour the internet for it or ask USCIS for a copy, it probably is knocking around on their website somewhere.

It basically says something like jobs with the title blah, blah and blah = blah under NAFTA in table form.
_________________
Steve.

Kimmer75
New Member

Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 4
Location: SW Ontario

Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 5:49 pm

Thanks Steve.

So far all I've come across is the basic list that says you have to have a "baccalaureate degree". Then I see a Technician or Technologist, which doesn't specify the education.

Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 806
Location: Calgary

Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 10:53 am

Try sending a PM to TNVisaExpert. All I can find is the BLS SOC list which I don't think is it.
_________________
Steve.

Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 17 Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Location: Red Bank, NJ USA

Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 2:28 pm

If you're referring to an architectural drafter (duties below/from O*NET), than no TN or H-1B since its not a NAFTA profession or a specialty occupation.

Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.

Operate computer-aided drafting (CAD) equipment or conventional drafting station to produce designs, working drawings, charts, forms and records.

Coordinate structural, electrical and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.

Obtain and assemble data to complete architectural designs, visiting job sites to compile measurements as necessary.
Draw rough and detailed scale plans for foundations, buildings and structures, based on preliminary concepts, sketches, engineering calculations, specification sheets and other data.

Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.

Supervise, coordinate, and inspect the work of draftspersons, technicians, and technologists on construction projects.
Represent architect on construction site, ensuring builder compliance with design specifications and advising on design corrections, under architect's supervision.

Check dimensions of materials to be used and assign numbers to lists of materials.

Determine procedures and instructions to be followed, according to design specifications and quantity of required materials.[list]
_________________
Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
Special Counsel
Law Offices of David T. Ferrara, LLC
www.naftalawfirm.com
P: (732) 784-2877
Email: Crizzo@naftalawfirm.com

Kimmer75
New Member

Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 4
Location: SW Ontario

Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 10:00 am

Ok,thanks for you reply. If I still am interested in working in the US, then which VISA do I apply for?

Or can I do this at all?

Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 17 Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Location: Red Bank, NJ USA

Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 1:25 pm

There are no nonimmigrant visas available for that position but you could always be sponsored for a green card.
_________________
Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
Special Counsel
Law Offices of David T. Ferrara, LLC
www.naftalawfirm.com
P: (732) 784-2877
Email: Crizzo@naftalawfirm.com

Kimmer75
New Member

Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 4
Location: SW Ontario

Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 7:14 pm

I thought that being a Canadian I couldn't apply for a Green Card, since there were too many Canadians accepted in previous years? Maybe I misunderstood.