TN Renewal - help needed

lily.lu

Registered Users (C)
Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of putting together the materials needed for TN renewal and since this is my first time, I wanted to make sure that I'm doing everything correctly and thus would very much appreciate your answers/suggestions.

Q1: Does the word "renewal" need to appear in the TN letter, or is an indication of period of employment sufficient? Is it okay if I basically use the same letter as the one I used for my initial application, given that my job stayed the same (w/ same employer)?

Q2: If my passport expires in Feb '08, would it affect my tn-renewal ( planning to submit this by end of August; current TN expiring Nov. 30)?

Q3: From what I've read on this forum and others, pls let me know if I'm missing anything that I need to include in my packet:
a) I-129 + supplement
b) Employer letter
c) copy of I-94 + passport(?)
d) copy of Degree
e) check of $320(!)

Any input is greatly appreciated!
 
a1. The letter does not have to say renewal. The I-129 will indicte that it is an 'extension' of current employment.

a2. Your passport expiry date is unimportant. Send a copy of passport to prove citizenship

a3. Assuming you got TN based solely on your degree (not an unrelated degree) then your list is complete.
 
Thank you both for your speedy responses!

Nelsona: The link between my degree (Industrial-Organizational Psychology) and my TN category (vocational counsellor) is not immediately obvious. What other documents should I provide in addition to my degree?

I also wanted to confirm if it's true that I should NOT travel outside of the U.S. while my application is pending (but current TN has not expired)?

thanks again!
 
you need to provide the same 'linkage' that you did when you applied at the border the first time.

as to travel, you are free to travel on your current TN, without impacting the I-129. If you come back after your current TN expires, but before the new one is approved, you will need to enter US by applying for a new TN (with all documents) at the POE. You would then cancel the extension by mail.
 
When I applied at the border I was lucky enough to not have been asked to prove the 'linkage', but to be on the safe side this time I suppose I'll make copies of my transcript and hopefully they won't question it too much.

1 more (stupid) Q: Is registered mail the best way to send it in?

Many, many thanks. :)
 
When I applied at the border I was lucky enough to not have been asked to prove the 'linkage', but to be on the safe side this time I suppose I'll make copies of my transcript and hopefully they won't question it too much.

1 more (stupid) Q: Is registered mail the best way to send it in?

Many, many thanks. :)


Use Fedex.
 
I thought it hasn't been officially announced that the 3-yr extension is now in effect?

It'd be great if I could use fedex - I somehow had the impression that Immigrations sometimes "frowns" on fedex/ups.
 
Hi

Here is some final information to ensure you have everything:

Article to reconfirm the TN Visa Requirements

Article for Common TN Visa Mistakes to Avoid

How to write a Great TN Visa Application Letter

Remember, even though you are applying via mail the Immigration Officer reviewing your case may call you for an interview to determine your intent of stay. Be prepared. The TN Visa Application Kit helps you prepare for the interview process.

Hope this helps.
 
Thanks everyone for your kind advice!

One more Q: Is it NECESSARY to have my employer sign the I-129? I realize that it says "...if filing this on behalf of an organization..." in the signature area but I just wanted to make sure that I'm understanding it correctly - would my signature alone suffice?

Thanks again!!
 
Your signature has absolutely NO place on an I-129. it is not your petition, it is your sponsor's.

The meaning of filing on behalf means a lawyer or officer of the firm, rather than a sponsor who would be an individual.

What you would be doing by signing would be, in effect, self-sponsoring, which is forbidden. Your company's representative on legal/hiring matters is the one that signs.
 
Lily,

File electronically. It's quicker and you don't need to worry about how and/or when it gets there. Once it's submitted the receipt tells you where to send your degree, passport etc. and I believe it tells you where to send via Fedex or UPS etc.
 
Thanks everyone for your kind advice!

One more Q: Is it NECESSARY to have my employer sign the I-129? I realize that it says "...if filing this on behalf of an organization..." in the signature area but I just wanted to make sure that I'm understanding it correctly - would my signature alone suffice?

Thanks again!!

From the above statement, obiously you did not fully understand the form. I think you should consult a good lawyer to do that or carefully digest what Nelson wrote above.
 
simsd - Thanks for the e-filing suggestion - I think that may simplify things even if by a little!

nelsona - thx for the info. I did get a rep to sign it, it was just that in the process of it all the form looks all dirty and messy due to possibly passing through more than 1 fax machine...so I wondered if I could re-enter all the info...

again, I really appreciated everyone's input!
 
Tell your employer you will e-file....actually they are supposed to do it, but it's the same information you put on the hand written application. The signature is just typed in. You can pay by credit card and it's fast. MOst employers don't know much about this stuff and usually just ask the employee to take care of it and they'll sign whatever needs signing.

If you efile all you have to do is let the signatory know you're putting his/her name in that space. It shouldn't be big deal.

Most of the time the processors are looking for completeness and and just trying to move the paper along. If you were approved once then there are not a lot of reasons to question it.
 
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Hi,
I have a urgent question. I had one first TN VIAS granted on July 15,2006 and expired on July 15th 2007. Before July 15th, I sent out extension (petition I-129) on May 01st. Vermont office gave me the receipt date 05-14, now my case is still pending ( i have checked website about processing status). MY QUESTION is:1. do i have to leave USA after TN expired? Does US has limitation how long i could stay after TN expired? If I have to leave USA what can i do now? After I get renew granted could I go back to Taiwan on November 07? Please reply me, this is very urgent! Seems like I have trouble.
Thanks a lot
Karie
 
You have a 240 day grace period after your TN has expired to continue working at your current position as long as you have filed for a TN extension... so you should be fine.

You will be able to travel to Tawain as long as you get your TN renewal in the mail prior to departure or you are prepared to apply for a new TN upon your return to the US.

If you leave the US with a pending TN application, it becomes void.
 
Thanks a lot Sheri100,
I was so worry this morning!
Well, 240 days is 8 month. Do you mean I still can work during these 8 months till I get my next one? This also mean working legally (regular payroll), right? I wonder also if I apply TN extension will be any possibility to be rejected by US immigration? Do you know any case? Or it is easier than going through the Port of Entry
I have read some article about i-94. If we don't return it properly we may get trouble. I just wonder if I get approved extension before Nov. and I go back to Taiwan on Nov. I should show the TN extension approved letter or document when I go through US custom, will they question me why I didn't return I-94?
BTW, I heard Canadian is able to use "L" category to apply green card. Is that true? Does L title have to be the same as TN title? If not match, will I get rejection? I know to get H-1 is very difficult now. Therefore, I want to use other category such as L-1 which is advantage for Canadian. Have you ever heard this before? Or any information can share?
I am sorry to bother you so much! Anyway, many thanks about previous information you gave. It is very valuable for me.
Karie
 
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