Is there ‘Portability’ for TN status like with H-1B?

No. The TN visa does not have a portability mechanism equivalent to the one available under H-1B. This is a practically relevant difference for anyone considering changing employers.

Under H-1B, portability generally allows a worker to begin employment with a new employer as soon as the new petition is filed, even before a final decision is issued. TN does not offer this feature: it is tied to a specific employer and a specific job offer, and there is no automatic transfer from one employer to another.

In practice, this means that a TN professional who wants to change jobs must obtain a new authorization for the new position before starting work. Key points to keep in mind:

• Each new employer requires a new TN qualification process.
• Work in the new role must not begin before the appropriate approval is obtained.
• Maintaining valid status throughout the transition is the professional’s responsibility.

Since procedures can change and each case has its own circumstances, it is worth verifying the current process with USCIS or with a specialist before accepting a new offer.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.