Read the general professional work overview
Hypothetical example: a Mount Pearl accountant with a commerce degree and a CPA designation is offered a senior accountant position at a U.S. manufacturer. The Appendix 2 line for Accountant lists a baccalaureate degree or a CPA, CA, CGA or CMA designation. Either satisfies the credential requirement; build the file around the one that is cleanest to prove, with the other as support. The support letter must describe accounting duties, the applicant must be a Canadian citizen, and the employer must be the entity that directs the work. Assemble the file so each point is verifiable from one document.
Pick the credential that carries the least explanation
In the hypothetical above, both credentials satisfy the Accountant line. The degree is a single certificate with a transcript; the designation is a membership that must be shown as current. Lead with the degree and transcript, add the CPA membership certificate and a current good-standing letter as confirmation, and do not rely on a legacy designation letter from before the profession's unification unless the current body has confirmed it. An officer who can tick the credential box in one glance moves to the next question, and a file that makes the officer choose between two credentials invites a question about both.
Make the support letter read as accounting, not as finance in general
The letter from the U.S. employer should describe month-end close, reconciliations, financial statement preparation, audit support and tax provision work, whatever the job actually involves, in terms an officer can match to the profession of Accountant. Titles such as financial analyst or controller are not in Appendix 2, and a letter that describes forecasting and business partnering without accounting content invites a refusal even when the applicant is a CPA. State the salary, the duration requested, the reporting line and the fact that the position is temporary, and have the letter signed by someone with authority to hire. If a recruiter or staffing firm is involved, the letter must still come from the employer that pays and directs the work.
Assemble in the order the officer reads
Place the Canadian passport first, because citizenship is the threshold question and a permanent resident card, however long held, does not qualify. Then the support letter, then the degree and transcript, then the CPA evidence, then a short résumé that matches the letter's dates. Include a copy of the Appendix 2 Accountant line with the relevant credential highlighted, and the USCIS fee schedule entry for the port-of-entry fee so the amount is not a surprise. Do not add unrelated certificates, reference letters or a thick binder of work samples; they slow the review and raise questions. If any document is in a language other than English, add a certified translation. A file that fits in one folder with five tabs is the goal.
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.