Consulting work in the US; tips?

[Madison Kelly]

Evan Leibovitch wrote:
> Dave Cramer wrote:
>> Be warned that if you are flying to the west coast you will likely
>> have to fly to Vancouver and then apply there (been there done that,
>> you have to apply at the border where you cross, you can't pre-qualify
>> here in Toronto) and candidly it's easier in Vancouver.
> The lineups may be less in Vancouver but you most certainly can get the
> TN visa in Toronto (speaking from first-hand experience).

First, thanks to everyone for your replies!

My biggest concerns are two-fold;

1) I am self-taught. I have plenty of work experience, but no degrees to 
back that up. I read on the US gov't website that work experience is 
okay for a TN Visa, but how does one document this?

2) I also read that "self-employed" people are specifically excluded. 
Does this mean that I, as the owner of a sole-proprietorship, am 
excluded? How do they define "a business" then?

I was wondering; my mother is an American citizen and is working for the 
US Military as a civilian microbiology technician. I will be traveling 
to Knoxville, TN by Greyhound, working from Monday to Wednesday in 
Knoxville, then traveling to Buffalo, NY to meet her. We'll then be 
driving to a few places in the US where she will catch a flight back to 
Patrick AFB in Florida and I will be returning the rental car to Buffalo 
and catching another Greyhound back up to Toronto.

How much will this complicate/help things?

I am not interested in lying, as the risks out weigh the benefits. I 
just want to know what options and angles I can use before reaching the 
American officials.

Thanks again for everyones replies!

Madi
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