TN Visa - job title, designer

Hello,

I've read many posts here and found some quite useful information on TN visas. There have been a few posts addressing similar issues, but there is still one question I cannot find a definitive answer for.

I work as a fashion designer in Canada and I am hoping to move to the states. I have a bachelor of design (4 year university program) and 3 years experience in the fashion industry. My current job title is "Senior designer", and possible job titles I would be looking for could include technical illustrator, technical designer, or clothing designer.

My question is, how flexible are the specified jobs on the Nafta list of occupations? As part of my job, I create graphic sketches of garments. Could I argue that I can enter under the category of graphic designer, as I have a bachelor of design, I create digital illustrations as part of my job, and my job title would be some sort of designer? Or would I need to have a job as a "graphic designer" doing strictly graphic design? If so, it the H1B visa the only other way to go? I'm worried that all of the sponsorship paperwork will scare away prospective employers.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Try, but expect failure, and be prepared to apply for H1 in April and wait until October to start work.

You won't be doing Graphic design, you will be doing fashion design.