The case still needs a truthful explanation of the actual professional activity and relevant requirements.
Identify what can be explained substantively
Work with the employer to describe the genuine duties and engagement at an appropriate level. Do not assume that calling the project confidential establishes a listed profession or waives its qualifications.
Before the employer finalizes its support letter, match the real assignment to a profession listed under USMCA and verify that profession’s precise degree, licence, or experience rule. TN also requires Canadian or Mexican citizenship, not merely Canadian permanent residence, plus prearranged professional work for a US or foreign employer; it cannot authorize US self-employment. The letter can protect trade secrets while still identifying the employer, genuine duties, duration, pay, and professional purpose. A frequent error is submitting an NDA beside a vague title and expecting the confidentiality clause to prove eligibility. Decide whether a Canadian applicant will request admission at a port of entry or whether the employer will use Form I-129, then tailor the supporting record to that process.
Hypothetical example: A Sainte-Rose-du-Nord civil engineer assigned to confidential structural testing asks the employer to describe the engineering analysis, supervision, temporary term, and required degree without naming the protected prototype. That accurate middle ground lets the officer assess the listed profession and qualifications while keeping restricted design details out of the submission.