TN Visa Expiring Due to Passport? What to Do Next

If your TN visa expires early because your passport was set to expire, you might not need a new TN application. In many cases, you can visit a U.S. border crossing with your new passport and request a new I-94. This post explains the process step-by-step and helps you prepare the right documents.

Table of Contents

1. Why Was My TN Visa Shortened?
2. Do I Need a New TN Application?
3. Steps to Extend Your TN at the Border
4. What to Bring With You
5. How Much Time Will I Get?
6. Common Questions
7. When to Contact an Immigration Attorney

1. Why Was My TN Visa Shortened?

If your TN status was only issued until your passport expiration date, that’s normal. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will not issue a TN status that lasts longer than your passport. If your passport expires in November 2025, your TN status likely ends then, even if your job offer was for a longer period.

2. Do I Need a New TN Application?

In most cases, you do not need to file a new TN application. If your job, employer, and terms of employment haven’t changed, and the only reason your TN status was shortened was your passport expiration, you can return to the U.S. border with your new passport to request the remaining time. You do not need a new TN application if:

• Your job and employer are the same
• Your original TN approval was for more time
• Your TN was cut short only because of your passport expiry

3. Steps to Extend Your TN at the Border

Here is what to do:

1. Get your new passport before your TN expires.
2. Go to a U.S. land border crossing.
3. Bring your new passport and your current TN documents.
4. Ask the officer to issue a new I-94 with the remaining time based on your original TN request.

4. What to Bring With You

Here’s a basic document checklist:

• Your new passport (valid for at least 3 years if possible)
• Your current TN approval documents
• A copy of your original TN application
• A job letter or employment confirmation (if available)
• Your current I-94 and TN visa stamp

Optional but helpful:

• Pay stubs or proof you’re still employed
• Original offer letter (if reusing previous TN)

5. How Much Time Will I Get?

If approved, the officer may issue a new I-94 for the full length of your original TN status, minus any time you have already used. For example, if you were approved for 3 years and already spent 6 months in the U.S., you might get 2.5 years remaining.

6. Common Questions

Is there a fee for the new I-94?
Yes, there is usually a small fee (around $6). This may vary depending on the border.

Will I need a new employer letter?
Possibly. Some officers may request a recent confirmation letter, even if it’s not technically required. It’s best to bring one just in case.

7. When to Contact an Immigration Attorney

You should speak with an immigration lawyer if:

• Your job title or duties have changed
• You’re unsure about your original TN terms
• You’ve had past visa issues or border problems
• Your employer is different from the original TN application

An immigration attorney can review your case and help avoid delays at the border.

Final Tip

Renew your passport early to avoid this issue in the future. Keep all your immigration documents safe and bring copies when visiting the border.

Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer

Sources

• 9 FAM 402.17 USMCA Professionals – TN and TD Visas (CT:VISA-3001; 11-20-2024)

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