by Steven » Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:47 am
Hard to answer, legally TN-1 is not dual-status so you can't have an employer file an I-140 for you and go from it to LPR status. However, USCIS don't seem to necessarily follow that rule because TNVisaExpert said he'd seen I-140s approved for people who were on TN-1 and there are also ways around it, for example your employer puts your Canadian address on the I-140 and you leave when the visa number comes up, apply for the visa and re-enter.
So technically what you're supposed to do is either apply from outside the US or change status to something like H-1B first, but in reality it doesn't always work out that way.
But yes, to file an I-140 petition, your employer must complete the labour certification process first to show they need you and you aren't displacing a US worker.
Steve.