Read the general professional work overview
A Rothesay landscape architect with a baccalaureate in landscape architecture is offered a role at a U.S. design-build firm under the title site designer. The USMCA list includes Landscape Architect and requires a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree. The title on the offer does not decide the case; the letter's description of professional landscape-architecture work does. Canadian citizenship, temporary intent and no U.S. self-employment are also required; any ownership in the employer must be disclosed and assessed.
Ask the employer to write to the profession, not the payroll title
Hypothetical example: a Rothesay landscape architect's offer letter describes her as a site designer preparing grading plans, planting designs and construction details for commercial developments. Those are landscape-architecture tasks. The TN letter should name the Landscape Architect profession, describe the site analysis, design development, construction documentation and contractor coordination she will perform, state her salary and the assignment's duration and confirm she meets the listing through her degree. The firm may keep site designer as its internal title, but the letter should explain that the position requires and uses landscape-architecture training. A letter that uses only the internal title leaves the officer to work out the profession unaided.
Attach the degree and address licensure honestly
The listing requires a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree in the field; she holds one from a Canadian university, so the diploma and transcript are sufficient without an evaluation. Landscape-architecture licensure in the United States is a state matter and is not a TN requirement, but if the firm's projects require a licensed professional's stamp the letter should explain how that will be handled, whether by a licensed principal supervising her or by her pursuing state registration. Being candid about licensure avoids the impression that the firm expects her to practise beyond what the state permits. Her professional-association membership in Canada can be included as supporting evidence of standing.
Prepare for the port of entry or the petition
As a Canadian citizen she may apply at a port of entry with the letter, degree, transcript, passport and a copy of the offer, or the firm may file Form I-129 with USCIS. Either way she should carry originals and be able to describe her work in plain terms. Any foreign-language documents should have certified English translations, mandatory for a USCIS filing and prudent at the border. If she holds any ownership in the design-build firm, that must be disclosed, because self-employment under TN is not permitted. Her spouse and children under 21 may accompany in TD status, which permits study but not work; a spouse who intends to work needs a separate route.
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.