TN expires in 3 days, I-129 for new TN approved but I797 approval notice not received in mail yet - planning on travelling

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anonymepo

New Member
I’m planning on visiting Canada for 2 days, specifically July 12-13. My TN expires on July 15, however my I-129 has already been approved.

I am just waiting for the actual approval notice to arrive in the mail (it was approved back in June 20).

Is it still safe to visit Canada and return on July 13, provided that I also bring my I797 receipt notice, and a screenshot showing that my I129 was approved (and explain to the officer that I’m just waiting for the actual approval notice).

Technically speaking I would be travelling and still reentering before my actual TN expiration date, albeit it’ll be quite close to it.

Any thoughts on how to proceed here? I’ll be using the Peace Arch/Pacific Highway PoE if anyone has specific experiences related to those PoEs and close to expired TNs.
 
If this is for the same employer (and just an "extension" of your existing TN) then your plan looks ok - in which case the officer should be able to check your new TN in their system (in addition to your existing TN which would still be valid).

But if this is a new TN for a different employer, then it could be a different story - depending on whether you had requested the new TN for "concurrent employment".
 
Correct, this is just for an extension with the same employer.

I had a follow up question though, does that mean even without the physical I797, the border officer can even activate my new “extension”? That would be nice just to get the new TN reflected on my I94, so I can update it on my NEXUS as well :)
 
anonymepo said:
does that mean even without the physical I797, the border officer can even activate my new “extension”?
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I doubt it - because - I think - the border officer would expect you to present a physical proof of your new TN (renewal) so that a new I-94 could be issued to you.
 
While the CBP does have access to USCIS information, I would not rely on this to get back in the country. At a minimum I would bring my receipt notice, They can then look up the status and issue your new TN.

An officer might have a hard time letting you in with one day left on your TN, so some kind of proof that you will have a TN on July 15th would be expected.
 
Thanks for the reply nelsona,

Does that mean theoretically I don’t need the actual physical I797 approval notice to get my new TN?

I have my receipt notice and case number handy, but I’m not sure what CBP really cares about the most when issuing a new TN via the I129 process.

I’ve heard mixed things, where some officers will demand the original I797, while for some a case number is good enough and as you mentioned, they can just look up my case status and see it’s approved.
 
anonymepo said:
I’m planning on visiting Canada for 2 days, specifically July 12-13. My TN expires on July 15, however my I-129 has already been approved.

I am just waiting for the actual approval notice to arrive in the mail (it was approved back in June 20).

Is it still safe to visit Canada and return on July 13, provided that I also bring my I797 receipt notice, and a screenshot showing that my I129 was approved (and explain to the officer that I’m just waiting for the actual approval notice).

Technically speaking I would be travelling and still reentering before my actual TN expiration date, albeit it’ll be quite close to it.

Any thoughts on how to proceed here? I’ll be using the Peace Arch/Pacific Highway PoE, and while planning this, I’ve also been researching top Belize adventures. If anyone has specific experiences related to those PoEs and close to expired TNs, I’d love to hear them.
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Yes, you can technically travel and return on July 13 since your TN is still valid until July 15. Bring your I-797 receipt notice, the approved I-129 screenshot, and any proof of employment. Be upfront with the officer, explaining that your renewal was approved on June 20 and you’re just waiting for the physical notice. Most officers at Peace Arch or Pacific Highway are familiar with close-to-expiration TN cases, but they have discretion. Carry all documentation to show continuous employment, and be prepared to answer questions about your status and travel plans. You should generally be fine.
 
If your TN expires soon but your new I-129 is approved, you should avoid traveling until you receive the I-797 approval notice. Without it, re-entry may be denied. Wait for the notice before crossing the border..
 
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