E-1
VS
TN Mexicans
Type
Nonimmigrant visa
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
Treaty Traders
NAFTA Professionals from Mexico
Profiles that typically qualify
International traders, Export managers, Import managers, Trade specialists, International marketing managers, International sales managers, Commodities traders, Shipping coordinators
Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors, Management consultants
Requirements
Both you and the trading firm must be nationals of a treaty country.
Your primary purpose for entering the U.S. must be to engage in substantial trade activities between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Over 50% of the company's international trade must occur between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Trade with the U.S. must be significant and ongoing.
You must hold an executive, supervisory, or essential role within the company.
You must be a citizen of Mexico.
You must meet the educational credentials or work experience required under NAFTA for your profession, with a job offer that matches those qualifications. Professions eligible for this status include, but are not limited to, accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers.
Pros
Enables businesspersons from treaty countries engaged in substantial trade with the U.S. to relocate themselves or key staff to the U.S.
Renewable indefinitely, offering long-term business and residence opportunities in the U.S.
Spouses can obtain work authorization, improving family well-being and financial flexibility.
Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term employment opportunities in the U.S.
No annual cap, providing a reliable option for eligible professionals.
Cons
Requires extensive documentation to prove substantial trade activities.
Trade must primarily occur between the U.S. and the treaty country, which could limit expansion opportunities into other markets.
Limited to specific professions listed under the NAFTA agreement.
Requires employer sponsorship and a specific job offer.
Sponsorship
Not required in the traditional sense
Required
Validity period
2 years
4 years
Renewable
Indefinitely, in 2-year increments
Indefinitely, 4-year increments
Without premium processing
4-6 months
1 to 3 months1
With premium processing
15 business days
Not available
Can spouse work
Yes
No
Disclaimers
-
1Processing time may vary depending on interview wait times at the consulate.
Type
E-1
Nonimmigrant visa
TN Mexicans
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
E-1
Treaty Traders
TN Mexicans
NAFTA Professionals from Mexico
Profiles that typically qualify
E-1
International traders, Export managers, Import managers, Trade specialists, International marketing managers, International sales managers, Commodities traders, Shipping coordinators
TN Mexicans
Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors, Management consultants
Requirements
E-1
Both you and the trading firm must be nationals of a treaty country.
Your primary purpose for entering the U.S. must be to engage in substantial trade activities between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Over 50% of the company's international trade must occur between the U.S. and the treaty country.
Trade with the U.S. must be significant and ongoing.
You must hold an executive, supervisory, or essential role within the company.
TN Mexicans
You must be a citizen of Mexico.
You must meet the educational credentials or work experience required under NAFTA for your profession, with a job offer that matches those qualifications. Professions eligible for this status include, but are not limited to, accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers.
Pros
E-1
Enables businesspersons from treaty countries engaged in substantial trade with the U.S. to relocate themselves or key staff to the U.S.
Renewable indefinitely, offering long-term business and residence opportunities in the U.S.
Spouses can obtain work authorization, improving family well-being and financial flexibility.
TN Mexicans
Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term employment opportunities in the U.S.
No annual cap, providing a reliable option for eligible professionals.
Cons
E-1
Requires extensive documentation to prove substantial trade activities.
Trade must primarily occur between the U.S. and the treaty country, which could limit expansion opportunities into other markets.
TN Mexicans
Limited to specific professions listed under the NAFTA agreement.
Requires employer sponsorship and a specific job offer.
Sponsorship
E-1
Not required in the traditional sense
TN Mexicans
Required
Validity period
E-1
2 years
TN Mexicans
4 years
Renewable
E-1
Indefinitely, in 2-year increments
TN Mexicans
Indefinitely, 4-year increments
Without premium processing
E-1
4-6 months
TN Mexicans
1 to 3 months1
With premium processing
E-1
15 business days
TN Mexicans
Not available
Can spouse work
E-1
Yes
TN Mexicans
No
Disclaimers
E-1
-
TN Mexicans
1Processing time may vary depending on interview wait times at the consulate.