Know your end date
Your I-94 record controls how long you can stay in TN status, not the letter and not your memory of the admission. Look it up at i94.cbp.dhs.gov and start preparing about three months before it ends.
Two ways to renew
| Re-apply at the border | Extension through USCIS | |
|---|---|---|
| How | Leave and re-enter the U.S., applying for a new TN period at a port of entry or preclearance with a new employer letter. | Your employer files Form I-129 with USCIS while you remain in the U.S. |
| Decision | On the spot. | By mail, after processing. |
| Paperwork | Your own packet, like a first application. | Employer petition and filing fee; many employers use a lawyer. |
| Travel | Requires a trip to a port of entry. | Travel while the extension is pending can have consequences; get advice first. |
Documents for a border renewal
- A new employer support letter requesting a new period of TN status to continue in the role.
- Your current I-94 record and previous TN documents.
- A few recent pay stubs from the employer.
- Your credential evidence, as in your first application.
- For family, TD documents for each person (see TD status).
Changing employers
TN is tied to a specific employer. A new employer needs its own TN approval, either through a new application at the border or a USCIS petition, before you start working there. It isn’t a renewal of the old TN.
How many times can TN be renewed?
There’s no fixed number of renewals. Each time, though, you must show the stay is temporary, and some people find officers look more closely after many years in TN status. If you’re considering permanent residence, talk to a lawyer before your next renewal.
Build your renewal packet
Choose “A renewal” on the first step. The letter and checklist adjust automatically.
Common questions
How early can I renew TN at the border?
You can apply for a new TN period with a new letter while your current status is valid. Many people renew in the final months before their I-94 end date. The new period runs from your new admission.
Can my TN be extended without leaving the U.S.?
Yes. Your employer can file an extension with USCIS on Form I-129.
Do I need a new letter for a renewal?
Yes. The letter requests a new period of TN status and confirms the current role, dates and pay.
Will TNPath tell me whether I qualify?
No. TNPath is a document-assembly tool. It organizes the facts you provide into templates and gives general information. It doesn’t make eligibility determinations or recommend case-specific strategy. Only U.S. Customs and Border Protection decides whether to admit you.
Sources
- USCIS: TN USMCA Professionals
- 8 CFR 214.6: Citizens of Canada or Mexico seeking TN status (Cornell LII)
- CBP: I-94 official website
- CBP: Traveling on a TN or L-1 from Canada
Last reviewed September 29, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with official sources before you travel.