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by vishalkuo 2158 days ago
I've anecdotally heard that it's possible to go from a TN -> Green Card. Light googling is pretty mixed on the subject; one side takes the stance that it's strictly not possible and the other says it is, but a risk.

Can you comment on your take? Is it possible to do this, what are the risks, and would you recommend it vs. trying for the H1B lottery?
2 comments
proberts 2158 days ago
Yes, it's possible and we do it all the time in fact. The issues are around timing of the filing of the green card application and international travel and renewal of the TN after the filing. Generally, it's not advisable for naturalized Canadian citizens who were born in countries with green card backlogs (that is, India and China).
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yandie 2158 days ago
Not a lawyer, but somebody who went through the greencard process.

The answer is yes. Same for E3 (for Australian).

The risk is once your company files I-140 petition (petition for immigrant workers), you might be denied entry if you leave the US. It's hard to prove your non-immigrant intent... So if you have less than a year on your i-94 it's risky (i-140 takes a while these days to process - mine took 1 year). It would take a few more months to get the EAD and advance parole document before you can travel internationally. So consider these factors as you will have to miss visiting Canada in the meantime.

My friend who was on E3 went through this and his i-94 was running out so he was told he might not be able to work while the application is still pending (the company did offer to continue paying him though, which was nice).

H1B lottery is safer, but the chances are low. If you have a committed employer + stable job then I'd go with the adjustment of status route.

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vishalkuo 2158 days ago
Ah interesting. This makes me wonder if now is the optimal time to try this given that going back to Canada is less appealing.

It's also interesting that your friend managed to stay in the country despite his i-94 running out. I didn't think that could be done.

This gives me a lot to think about, thanks!

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yandie 2157 days ago
> friend managed to stay in the country despite his i-94 running out.

His adjustment of status was pending so there's a grace period (check with your lawyer). He was basically waiting for his EAD/Advance Parole card at that point!

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arcticbull 2157 days ago
(IANAL) Once your I-485 is pending you can remain in the US for as long as it remains pending, on that basis. [1]

Most people also file an I-765 and I-131 alongside the I-140, I-485 and I-693 forms, and once approved, you'll be issued an EAD/AP combo card which entitles you to work in the US and return to the US on the basis of the pending I-485. This travel and employment eligibility is separate from any previous E-3 or TN status.

Once you file, you no longer have to maintain your previous nonimmigrant visa status, but if you don't, a rejected I-485 would subject you to immediate removal. If you do, you can return to your old status.

[1] https://citizenpath.com/faq/maintaining-status-after-filing-...

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