IN THIS GUIDE · Decide whether a provincial licence or a degree carries a land surveyor's TN case
Start with the TN eligibility and application overview
Read the qualification line for your own profession
Each Appendix 2 profession has its own requirement. For Land Surveyor the text names a degree or a licence; other listings accept only a degree, and some accept a diploma plus years of experience. Before anything else, find the exact line for the profession the U.S. job actually is and confirm which alternative you meet. A provincial licence satisfies the listing only if it is current and issued by the body the listing contemplates. Bring the certificate of registration, a good-standing letter dated within the last few months, and the association's description of what the licence permits. A membership card or an expired registration does not do the same work.
Keep U.S. state licensing out of the immigration file but not out of the plan
TN admission asks whether the person is qualified for the profession, not whether a particular state has admitted them to practise. The U.S. firm may need the applicant to work under a state-licensed surveyor's responsible charge or to obtain reciprocity later. Ask the employer to explain in writing how the work will be supervised under state rules, because a job letter that describes independent sign-off the applicant cannot legally give raises questions at the port of entry. Two problems, two owners: the applicant proves qualification, the employer proves the role is lawful where it will be performed.
Confirm the employer relationship and rule out self-employment
TN requires prearranged professional employment with a U.S. entity. A surveyor who forms a U.S. company and sells services through it, or who holds a controlling stake in the firm that engages them, is outside the category. If the applicant has any ownership in the U.S. firm, even a small one, it should be disclosed and its size explained. Contract work is possible when a U.S. company is the client and the terms show a genuine engagement, but the letter must come from that company and describe the professional services, the pay basis and the period.
Plan the port-of-entry package around Canadian citizenship
A Canadian citizen presents the case to CBP at a port of entry or preclearance location with the employer letter, proof of citizenship, the licence and any supporting transcripts; no visa stamp is issued. Alternatively the employer may file Form I-129 with USCIS in advance and the applicant travels once approval arrives. Form I-129 charges are listed on the current USCIS fee schedule; confirm any port-of-entry charge with CBP. Choose the route that matches the timeline and the applicant's tolerance for a same-day decision, and do not treat a favourable first admission as a permanent answer for later renewals.
Sources reviewed 2026-09-07. This guide covers a preparation focus; it is not an individual eligibility assessment.