Fired from my job after 5 months

Hi everyone,
I took a job in the US mid August last year on a TN1. All appeared fine and I was considered a non-resident by the CRA. Last week I was told I wasn't a good fit and let go. I'm not sure of my options now and what to do next?
My questions are: I'm locked into a lease for another 7 months and cannot sublet. Money isn't the issue but I want to head back to Canada and find a job. Since I've only been out of the country for less than the 180 days, will it be easy to move back. I have arranged a place in Canada to stay already (sisters house). Should I switch my TN1 for a visitor visa so I can at least use my apt for the summer? I don't plan on working in the US.
Thanks for any advice.

You needed to file for B2 visa last week, by filing I-539.

Thanks. I just filed for it on-line today. I hope the long weekend is taken into account when they review it.
They should at least give some grace period considering the stress involved and the limited resources (besides this forum) out there to guide people.

the issue that I-539 is a change of status. It thus requires you to be in status.

Btw, don't expect to here back from them for several months. You will no doubt either be back in Canada or have landed another TN job before your petition is approved or denied. But it does keep you in status until you next leave the country.

Don't forget to send in any additional info that they require (copy of passport, copy of I-94, etc). Online application is not complete until those things are sent.

I'll be sending off the documents later today. That and calling my apartment landlord to see what my options are to break the lease.
This dark side of TN-1 working is horrible, and if it were not for this site I wouldn't have know what and where to start.
Thank you

You were very lucky to get severance. Most simply have to return immediately to canada to collect EI.

I think so too. I just mailed (expedited) off my documents including the original I-94, receipt of e filing the I-539, letter of intent, copy of bank statement along with a copy of my passport page. I hope that's all they need.
Now I have to get out of my lease. There is 7 months left on it and that may eat my severance up entirely. I do need to go back to Canada at some point to find a place to live. I hope I can return and collect my belongings once I'm established back in Canada.
Lot's of hoping, stress and headaches. Like everything, this to will pass.

I would hve kept the original I-94. I would also have incuded a copy of my lease to establish the 'affairs' you need to wrap up.

The second one is not a big deal. However, not having an I-94 in your possession is a little more problematic. There was no need to send original; they do not need it.

Crap! I did make a photocopy of it however. One good thing is that I can get out of my lease if I show them proof I need to leave the country. Any idea where I could find that? They want something official so I'll be calling immigration.

For those keeping score at home, there was no need to rush any documentation to CIS. Your file will not be looked at for several weeks. The key was submiddion of the petition,which was done.

For questions about what happens to your status at termination, see

http://www.jackson-hertogs.com/jh/faq/8071.pdf

It specifically states TNs must go back to canada when job ends.