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 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?

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.

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.

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

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]

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?

There are no nonimmigrant visas available for that position but you could always be sponsored for a green card.

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.

If you have an immediate family member who is a US citizen or legal permanent resident, they could sponsor you for a green card.

Canadians are not eligible for the green card lottery is all.

Anybody can presumptively get a green card. All Countries are backlogged for 3rd preference.