March 9, 2026 - 7:53 AM

Important Reminder: Canadian TN & L-1 Travelers

Are you Canadian?
Did you apply for TN or L-1 status at the border with U.S. Customs and Border Protection?
Do you use a frequent traveler program such as NEXUS?

Important: When CBP grants TN or L-1 status at the port of entry, that status is not automatically updated in frequent traveler systems like NEXUS.

If your profile is not updated, you may later be admitted in the wrong status — potentially causing work authorization and compliance issues.

What You Should Do After Every Entry

All Canadian employees traveling to the United States should:

🔎 Review their electronic I-94 record immediately after each entry
✔ Confirm the correct immigration status (TN, L-1A, L-1B, etc.)
✔ Confirm the correct expiration date

This step is especially critical for those using frequent traveler programs.

You can access your most recent I-94 record here.

Action Plan: If You Were Admitted in the Wrong Status

STEP 1: Present your TN or L-1 application documents to a CBP officer and confirm:

  • Your passport entry stamp reflects the correct status
  • Your online I-94 shows the proper work-authorized classification

STEP 2: Contact your frequent traveler program, e.g. NEXUS, and formally update your status to the appropriate work-authorized classification (L-1A, L-1B, TN, etc.).

STEP 3: For future travel, only use the frequent traveler program after the system has been properly updated.

STEP 4: Continue verifying your I-94 record after every U.S. entry.

We’re Here to Help

If you have concerns about your admission record, frequent traveler profile, or work authorization status, please contact our office. We are happy to review your travel history and help ensure you remain fully compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions


Do Canadian travelers receive an I-94 record when entering the U.S. on TN or L-1 status?

Yes. When Canadian professionals are admitted to the United States in TN or L-1 status, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issues an electronic I-94 admission record. This record confirms: 
– Your immigration classification (TN, L-1A, or L-1B) 
– The date you entered the United States 
– Your authorized period of stay 
Because the I-94 determines your legal work authorization in the United States, it is essential to review it after every entry. 
You can access your record here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/search/recent-search 

Does NEXUS automatically update TN or L-1 visa status? 

No. Frequent traveler programs such as NEXUS do not automatically update immigration classifications issued at the border. 
In other words, even if CBP grants TN or L-1 work authorization, your NEXUS profile may still reflect visitor status (B-1/B-2). 
As a result, automated systems may admit you in the wrong category during future entries. Therefore, Canadian professionals must update their traveler profile to avoid compliance issues. 


Does this issue affect both land border crossings and airports?

Yes. The issue can arise whether you enter the U.S. through a land border, pre-clearance airport in Canada, or a U.S. airport, particularly if you later use a trusted traveler lane linked to programs like NEXUS.


How soon should I check my I-94 after entering the United States?

It is best to review your electronic I-94 as soon as possible after admission—ideally the same day or within 24 hours. Early verification allows any errors to be corrected quickly.


What are common mistakes travelers see on their I-94 record?

Common issues include:
– Admission in B-1/B-2 visitor status instead of TN or L-1
– Incorrect expiration dates
– Missing admission records for a particular entry
These issues can affect your ability to work legally in the U.S.

Can I continue working if my status was recorded incorrectly?

You should not assume you are work-authorized if your I-94 shows the wrong status. It is the traveler’s responsibility to update their status in any frequent traveler program prior to entering the U.S. using that program. If you cannot resolve the correction of the I-94 card yourself following the Action Plan noted above, please contact your immigration attorney as soon as possible.


Should employers remind Canadian employees to check their I-94 records?

Yes. Many employers implement internal travel reminders encouraging employees who travel frequently to verify their I-94 after each entry to the United States.


How do you correct an incorrect TN or L-1 admission record? 

If your admission record is incorrect, you should act quickly. 
First, present your TN or L-1 application documentation to a CBP officer and request a correction. 
Next, confirm that both your passport entry stamp and online I-94 record reflect the correct status. 
Finally, contact your frequent traveler program (such as NEXUS) to update your immigration classification before using the system again.