Temporary Travel on a TN Visa: Rules for U.S. Re-Entry

TN visas allow qualified professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the United States under NAFTA/USMCA provisions. If you’ve already been approved for a TN visa, you may wonder about the process for re-entering the U.S. Here’s a clear breakdown of re-admission regulations based on 8 CFR 214.6.


What Is Re-Admission on a TN Visa?

Re-admission refers to entering the United States again after temporarily leaving during the validity of your TN visa. The rules differ depending on whether you have a valid Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record).


Re-Admission With a Valid I-94

If you hold a valid, unexpired Form I-94 from your original TN visa admission:

  1. You may re-enter the U.S. without presenting additional supporting documents, such as employer letters.
  2. No additional fee is required.
  3. The conditions of your employment (employer, role, etc.) must remain unchanged.

This process simplifies re-entry as long as your I-94 has not expired and your professional activities remain consistent with the initial TN visa approval.


Re-Admission Without a Valid I-94

You may be re-admitted if you no longer possess a valid Form I-94, but your TN visa is still valid. Here’s how:

For Canadian Citizens:

You can provide alternate evidence of your TN status, such as:

  • A fee receipt for your TN visa admission.
  • A previously issued admission stamp in your passport.
  • A confirming letter from your U.S. employer(s).

For Mexican Citizens:

You’ll need:

  • A valid, unexpired TN visa in your passport.
  • Evidence of your prior admission to the U.S. in TN status.

A new Form I-94 with “multiple entry” authorization may be issued based on the remaining validity of your original TN approval.


Key Conditions for Re-Admission

Regardless of whether you have a valid I-94, the following conditions must be met:

  • Your original TN visa approval has not expired.
  • There are no changes to your intended employment or employer.
  • You meet all general requirements for TN visa holders.

Practical Tips for TN Visa Re-Admission

  1. Keep Your I-94 Safe: If you were issued an I-94 during your initial admission, keep it accessible. This will simplify re-admission.
  2. Employer Confirmation: If your I-94 is lost or expired, ask your employer for a letter confirming your TN status.
  3. Carry Documentation: While not always required, it’s a good idea to carry your TN visa approval notice, employment letter, and other supporting documents when traveling.

Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer

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We Can Help!

You may have questions regarding temporary intent for a TN Visa. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.

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