u/Embarrassed-Sun-4863 — reddlx

Indian origin, live in Canada, citizenship app in progress
US Master's (TN-eligible)
Got H-1B in Oct 2023 — stamped, but stayed in Canada
Former US employer's PERM certified March 2026 (expires in 180 days); they've offered to file I-140

Long-term, TN is likely my main path to working in the US (activating H-1B due to $100k rule). An approved I-140 from a former employer — does it actually cause TN denials/secondary at the border, or is it mostly fine in practice?

Is the I-140 worth filing for optionality (priority date, future L-1/H-1B), or am I better off skipping it to keep TN clean?

If I ever go H-1B without I-140 approval (no H-4 EAD), TN would be the only US work option for my spouse. Anyone running H-1B + TN spouse combo successfully?

Want to hear from people who've obtained TN with an I-140 and priority date not current. Thanks.