E-2 visa minimum investment - what you need to know
7 mins read | Feb 17, 2026
If you're already on a TN visa, working in the United States, chances are you've started thinking about what comes next. There are long-term options you can explore, like renew your TN status or transition to permanent residence through a green card. Either way, understanding your options is essential for making the right decision at the right time.
For more information on what is the TN visa, its eligibility, the application process for Canadians and Mexicans, and to review any employer sponsorship requirements, see our complete TN visa guide.
TN visa renewal and extension options
One of the TN visa's biggest advantages is that there's no limit on how many times you can renew it. Unlike the H-1B visa, which has a six-year maximum stay, TN status can be extended indefinitely as long as you continue to qualify and maintain nonimmigrant intent.
Each TN admission is valid for up to 3 years. When your status is approaching expiration, you have several options for extending it depending on your nationality.
- Canadian citizens can simply return to the border with a new employer letter and apply for a fresh TN admission. This is often faster than filing a USCIS extension and is the most common approach.
- Mexican citizens with valid TN visa stamps can also reenter at the border to get a new I-94. If your visa stamp has expired, you'll need to schedule a new consular interview to obtain a new stamp before reentering.
- Alternatively, both Canadians and Mexicans can file Form I-129 with USCIS to extend their TN status without leaving the United States.
What happens if your employment ends
If your job ends before your I-94 expiration date, you usually have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, change to a different status, or leave the country. This grace period gives you enough time to transition without immediately falling out of status. If you are also TN visa holder, you receive a 10-day grace period at the beginning and end of your authorized stay for travel purposes, but you cannot work during these grace periods.
Keep in mind that every time you renew your TN, the officer may ask about your long-term intentions. Consistent, indefinite renewals over many years could raise questions about whether your stay is truly temporary.We recommend having a clear explanation for why your assignment remains temporary. This can help facilitate the renewal process.
Find the right visa for your profile
Can TN visa holders apply for a green card
The short answer is yes, TN holders can pursue a green card if they are considering long-term options in the United States. However, this process requires careful planning because the TN is not a dual intent visa.
Dual intent means that a visa allows you to have both temporary and permanent immigration intentions simultaneously.The H-1B has dual intent, which is why H-1B holders can freely pursue green cards without jeopardizing their status. The TN visa doesn't have this protection. When you apply for TN status, you're certifying that your intent is temporary, and pursuing permanent residence could potentially contradict that certification.
Despite this, it's important to note that the mere filing or approval of an immigrant petition (Form I-140) doesn't automatically mean you have immigrant intent according to CBP. An approved I-140 with a long priority date backlog can actually help demonstrate that you don't intend to stay permanently right now, since you couldn't adjust status even if you wanted to.
However, once you file Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) or begin consular processing for an immigrant visa, the risk increases significantly. At that point, you're actively pursuing permanent residence and in conflict with the temporary intent required for TN status.
Many TN holders time their green card process carefully, keeping their I-140 approved while waiting for their priority date to become current before filing the I-485. If you need more guidance on this, schedule a chat with our legal team.
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Green card options for TN visa holders
TN visa holders have several options to permanent residence, each with different requirements and timelines. The right choice depends on your qualifications, your employer's willingness to sponsor you, and how long you're willing to wait.
Employer-sponsored green cards (EB-2 and EB-3)
One common green card path for TN visa holders is the PERM labor certification process, which can lead to an EB-2 or EB-3 green card. To pursue this route, your employer must file a PERM application with the Department of Labor, then an I-140 petition with USCIS. This route typically takes several years from start to finish.
Self-petition options (EB-1A and EB-2 NIW)
If you have exceptional qualifications, you may be able to self-petition without employer sponsorship. The EB-1A category is for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, business, education, or athletics. The NIW (National Interest Waiver) is for professionals whose work benefits the United States and who meet certain criteria. Both categories allow you to file your own green card petition as a TN visa holder.
Multinational managers and executives (EB-1C)
For TN holders who are transferring within a multinational company, the EB-1C category for multinational managers and executives may be an option. This requires that you've worked for the company abroad in a managerial or executive capacity for at least one year.
Summary of green card options for TN visa holders
| Pathway | Employer needed | Key requirement | Typical timeline* |
|---|---|---|---|
| EB-2/EB-3 (PERM) | Yes | Employer sponsors through labor certification | 2-5+ years |
| EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) | No | Evidence of extraordinary ability in your field | 1-3 years |
| EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) | No | Work of substantial merit and national importance | 1-3 years |
| EB-1C (Multinational Manager) | Yes | 1+ year as manager/executive at foreign affiliate | 1-2 years |
*These timelines do not include Premium Processing.
The three-year TN admission period gives TN holders more flexibility to pursue green cards without needing constant renewals. You can maintain TN status while your I-140 is pending and approved, then transition to adjustment of status or consular processing when your priority date becomes current.
TN visa limitations and considerations
Before committing to TN status long-term or deciding between a TN renewal and a different visa strategy, it's important to understand the TN's limitations.
Restricted profession list
The TN is restricted to specific professions listed in the USMCA agreement. If your occupation isn't on the list, you cannot qualify regardless of your credentials. This is particularly challenging for newer technology roles that didn't exist when the list was created in 1992.
No self-employment
Self-employment is prohibited on TN status. The following factors are used to determine whether an arrangement constitutes self-employment: whether you established the U.S. company, whether you have sole or primary control of the business, whether you're the sole or primary owner, and whether you're the sole or primary recipient of income. If your situation resembles self-employment, consider the E-1 or E-2 visa instead.
Employer-specific authorization
Your TN status is tied to your specific employer. If you change jobs, you need to obtain a new TN for the new employer before you can start working. Unlike H-1B portability, there's no provision allowing you to begin work while a new TN application is pending.
Dependent work restrictions
TD dependents (spouses and unmarried children under 21) can accompany TN holders but cannot work in the United States. This is a significant difference from the H-1B, where certain H-4 spouses can obtain work authorization under specific circumstances. TD dependents can study but must maintain their TD status.
No dual intent protection
Finally, the lack of dual intent means you need to be strategic about green card applications. While it's possible to pursue permanent residence on TN status, you should plan carefully and consider consulting with an immigration attorney to minimize risks to your nonimmigrant status.