TN Category

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Canadian Pete

New Member
Hi All,

I graduated as an Architectural Technician with a 2 year diploma. I have been working for the past 5 years for an Architecture firm here in Canada as a Technician or a Drafter. I basically use the Auto Cad to produce drawings.

These are my duties as well:
-Produce construction drawings – plan and section details/elevations
-Coordinate drawings with structural, mechanical & electrical consultants/engineers
-Review shop drawings

At first I was advised as a Graphis Designer since I use the Auto Cad software to produce drawings. But I also see myself under the Scientific Technician Category since I support both Professional Architects and Engineers.

Am I headed at the right direction?

Please advise.

Thanks
 
You sound more like a Scientific Technician to me.

I posess a 3-year Diploma from Canada in Transportation Engineering Technology (A Sub Category of Civil Engineering). I work under the direct supervision of a degreed engineer with job duties such as analysis, report writing, data collection, preparation of presentation materials, AutoCAD drawings and so forth.

It seems that, like me, your job duties might involve the utilization of theoretical knowledge (which you gained from your diploma program)to "problem solve" and present your findings and so forth (through your drafted drawings). You undoubtedly work under the direct supervision of a degreed architect (as I am sure he/she checks your work, reviews your drawings etc). And like you stated, you co ordinate work with architects AND "engineers" so that's why I think you would have a better fit under the "Scientific Technician" under engineering better than "Graphic Designer".

The main aspects of the Sci Tech category are:

1) That you work under the DIRECT supervision of a Degreed Engineer (P.Eng, or whatever the Architect liscensure is).

2) Possess theoretical knowledge of your field (Architecture, engineering etc)

3) Job duties involve using your theoretical knowledge to problem solve in your field

I find it hard for me to see a match between your diploma & experience with that of a "Graphic Designer". Perhaps somebody can provide some added insight. This is just my thought.
 
A couple of tips if you do end up applying as Sci Tech.

Your job offer letter must outline your job duties and how they involve problem solving techniques and whatnot. It walso MUST state that you are working UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION of a degreed engineer/architect.

When I applied for my TN with the company I work for now in person, the CBP officer turned me down saying that my job offer letter did not SPECIFICALLY state that I was working under the direct supervision of an engineer and that how was e to know that the guy in the job offer letter was really an engineer.

I stated that I could call my would-be supervisor and the CBP officer kindly said "whats that gonna prove though? It could be anybody you are calling". The officer then gave me the fax number for the POE I applied at (Peace Bridge, Buffalo NY) and said "Call your supervisor, have him revise the letter to add that you are working under his direct supervision and have him fax a copy of his P.E (P. Eng.) liscence and I can then aprove you". So I did all that and I was approved right there.

It is important that your job offer letter match the TN category very closely. As you can see, it was a matter of one little blurb in the letter (plus proof of my supervisors liscensure) that made the difference between denial and approval and luckily I was not "Officially" denied and that the officer allowed me to make the correction right there and then.

John
 
Hi John,

Thank you so much for your very informative response.

Did you obtain a lawyer the first time you applied for TN? I have been reading a lot from this forum and learned that the Sci Tech category is being scrutinized more compared to other category so I am contemplating of obtaining a lawyer.

Thanks again.
 
I've never used a lawyer. In fact, in my two successful in-person TNs and 1 successful mail in, ive done all my own work (I-129, job offer letter etc) To my employers approval of course but ive never even thought of a lawyer.
 
Canadian Pete said:
Hi All,

I graduated as an Architectural Technician with a 2 year diploma. I have been working for the past 5 years for an Architecture firm here in Canada as a Technician or a Drafter. I basically use the Auto Cad to produce drawings.
Thanks
Click to expand...
under Scientific technician you must be one of the following:
* biology
* chemistry
* engineering
* forestry
* geology
* geophysics
* meteorology
* physics

there is a great chance they will throw the Architect in your face. in that case if you get your 2 year diploma along with 6 years of experience in the field evalutated, you will be concidered as a bachelor holder. that has a better chance than the technician category.
 
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