TN-1 and Job Change - What Happens?

[alembic 0]

I'm a Canadian national currently working in the US on a TN-1; my employer is the sponsor.

If I change jobs, I think the easiest procedure is to arrange all documents with my new employer, leave the country and re-enter, essentially applying for a new TN-1.

But has anyone completed an in-country transfer of sponsorship, that is, changed jobs without leaving the country? If so, am I prevented from working for my next employer until after the transfer is approved? And typically how long does it take? or can I commence work while waiting for approval?

Thanks for any clarification.

[Dakine10 5,452]

I'm a Canadian national currently working in the US on a TN-1; my employer is the sponsor.

If I change jobs, I think the easiest procedure is to arrange all documents with my new employer, leave the country and re-enter, essentially applying for a new TN-1.

yes

But has anyone completed an in-country transfer of sponsorship, that is, changed jobs without leaving the country? If so, am I prevented from working for my next employer until after the transfer is approved? And typically how long does it take? or can I commence work while waiting for approval?

There's no transfer. New employer submits I-129 by mail. Processing time is currently around 2 months, unless they spring for premium processing, in which case it should take about 2 weeks or so. You can't start work for the new employer until you get the new Tn.

[alembic 0]

Thanks Dakine10. If the new employer submits an I-129 for my new TN-1, is it possible to leave the country during processing of said I-129 without invalidating the application? e.g. emergency visit to Canada.

[Dakine10 5,452]

Thanks Dakine10. If the new employer submits an I-129 for my new TN-1, is it possible to leave the country during processing of said I-129 without invalidating the application? e.g. emergency visit to Canada.

If I had to leave, I would just get the new Tn at the border on the way back and withdraw the pending I-129. In the past, if the I-129 was already approved while you were out of the USA, you could print that out, have CBP look up the case and they would issue an I-94 based on that. Not sure if they still do that.

If you still work for the current employer, you have the option to re-enter on that Tn also, but then you would still be waiting for the new Tn to come in the mail.