TN Visa Renewal 2026: Complete Guide
Your TN expires in 3 years, but you can renew indefinitely. Here's exactly how to do it.
Good News
TN status can be renewed indefinitely. There's no maximum number of renewals — people have maintained TN status for 10+ years.
Renewal Options
| Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Border (re-entry) | Same day | $80 | Most people |
| USCIS Mail (I-129) | 3–6 months | $460–$1,615 | Can't travel |
| USCIS Premium | 15 days | $2,965 | Urgent cases |
When to Renew
- Border renewal: Can be done anytime, even years before expiration
- USCIS mail: File up to 6 months before expiration
- Don't wait until the last minute — Start planning 2–3 months ahead
Important
If your TN expires while a USCIS renewal is pending, you can keep working but cannot travel. Leaving the US voids your pending application.
Border Renewal: Step by Step
- Get a new offer letter from your employer (same format as original)
- Gather documents: Passport, current I-94, degree, new offer letter
- Drive to Canada — You must physically leave the US
- Re-enter at a US port of entry and request TN renewal
- Pay $80 fee (land border) and receive new I-94 with 3-year validity
Documents for Renewal
- Valid Canadian passport (6+ months validity recommended)
- Current I-94 (print from i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
- New offer letter from employer
- Original degree or certified copy
- Recent pay stubs (proves you're still employed)
- $80 fee (land border)
What If Your Job Changed?
Same employer, same role
Straightforward renewal. Just get a new offer letter.
Same employer, different role
If your job duties changed significantly, you may need a new TN application (not just renewal). The new role must still qualify under a TN profession.
Different employer
This is a new TN application, not a renewal. You'll need a complete application package from the new employer.
USCIS Mail Renewal (Form I-129)
Use this if you can't or don't want to travel to Canada:
- Employer files Form I-129 with USCIS
- Include TN supplement, offer letter, degree copy
- Pay $460–$1,615 filing fee (+ $2,965 for premium processing)
- Wait 3–6 months (or 15 days with premium)
- Receive approval notice (I-797)
240-Day Rule
If you file for renewal before your TN expires, you can continue working for up to 240 days while the application is pending.
Common Renewal Issues
- Expired passport: Renew your passport before your TN renewal
- Job title changed: Make sure new title still qualifies
- Salary decreased: May raise questions — have explanation ready
- Company name changed: Bring documentation of the change
- Green card pending: Can complicate renewal — see our green card guide
Tips for Smooth Renewal
- Keep your documents organized and accessible
- Renew early — don't wait until the last month
- Use the same border crossing if it worked before
- Go on a weekday morning for shorter waits
- Bring extra copies of everything
Last updated: May 2026