Read the general professional work overview
Hypothetical example: a Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury interior designer with a college diploma and seven years across two studios is offered a position by a Colorado firm that designs resort hotels and lodges. Interior Designer is listed in Appendix 2 with a baccalaureate, or a post-secondary diploma plus three years of experience. Her diploma takes the second limb, and one of the two studios has closed. The file therefore has to prove years of experience partly from an employer that no longer exists, which is a records problem to solve before the offer letter is drafted.
Decide which years the file relies on and who can confirm them
Three years of experience are required and she has seven, so the first decision is which years to prove. The current studio, still operating, can issue a detailed letter covering four years with duties, projects and dates, and that alone satisfies the rule. The closed studio's three years become supporting evidence rather than the foundation. For those, gather the record of employment issued at closure, tax slips, pay stubs and a letter from the former principal if she can be reached; if not, project credits, published work and client correspondence stand in. The point is to build the case on the years that are easiest to prove and let the rest corroborate.
Match the U.S. duties to interior design rather than decoration or sales
The Colorado firm's offer should describe design work: space planning, code and accessibility review, specification of finishes and fixtures, drawing production and coordination with architects and contractors on hospitality projects. If the position also carries showroom sales or client-acquisition duties, the letter should not hide them, but the primary work must be the profession listed. A DEC in interior design fits the diploma limb precisely, so keep the transcript and diploma at the front, add a credential evaluation only if the employer or counsel thinks the officer needs it, and translate the French-language course titles so the program is recognizable.
Confirm the employer relationship and choose the entry route
The firm employs her directly, sets her assignments and pays a salary, which keeps her clear of the self-employment bar; if she has been running a small design practice from home, disclose it and decide whether it continues. As a Canadian citizen she may apply at a port of entry or preclearance location without a visa stamp, or the firm may file Form I-129. Because the experience evidence includes a closed employer and reconstructed records, a petition gives space to explain; a port application suits a file whose current-employer letter alone covers three years. Any spouse or child in TD status may study but not work.
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.