TN Visa Renewal & Extension
How to renew your TN status, timing, and the 240-day automatic extension rule.
Key Facts
- Each TN approval grants up to 3 years of status
- Unlimited renewals — no cap on how many times you can extend
- No maximum cumulative duration on TN status
Renewal Methods
Method 1: At the Port of Entry (POE)
Gather documents
Updated employer support letter, proof of qualifications, valid passport, current I-94.
Travel to a U.S. port of entry
Drive to a land border or fly into a U.S. airport with preclearance.
Present your application to CBP
Provide your support letter and documents to the officer. Pay the $50 processing fee + $30 I-94 (land).
Receive new I-94
If approved, you receive a new I-94 with a fresh 3-year validity period.
Method 2: Form I-129 (Employer Petition)
Employer prepares Form I-129
Your U.S. employer files the petition with USCIS on your behalf.
Gather supporting documents
Updated support letter, credentials, copy of current I-94, and filing fees.
Submit to USCIS
Mail the petition to the appropriate USCIS service center or file online.
Wait for adjudication
Standard processing takes 3–5 months. Premium processing guarantees 15 business days.
Receive approval notice (I-797)
Once approved, your status is extended. A new I-94 is attached to the approval notice.
Method 3: Form I-539 (For Dependents)
File Form I-539
TD dependents file I-539 to extend their status, often concurrently with the TN holder's I-129.
Include supporting evidence
Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificate), copy of TN holder's approval or pending receipt.
Await decision
Processing times mirror I-129. TD status extends with the TN holder's approval.
POE vs. I-129 Comparison
| Factor | POE Renewal | I-129 Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day | 3–5 months (15 days premium) |
| Cost | $50 + $30 I-94 (land) | $460–$780 + $2,965 premium (optional) |
| Pros | Fast, cheap, immediate result | No travel required, 240-day rule applies |
| Cons | Must leave & re-enter U.S., risk of denial at border | Expensive, slow without premium |
The 240-Day Rule
If your employer files Form I-129 before your current TN status expires, you are authorized to continue working for up to 240 days while the petition is pending. This prevents gaps in employment authorization during processing delays.
Timing Your Renewal
Start the renewal process at least 60 days before your current status expires. USCIS accepts I-129 petitions up to 6 months before expiration. This buffer accounts for processing delays and gives you time to pursue alternatives if needed.