L-1A New Office
VS
TN Mexicans
Type
Nonimmigrant visa
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager
NAFTA Professionals from Mexico
Profiles that typically qualify
Corporate executives, High-level managers, Business owners
Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors, Management consultants
Requirements
The U.S. job must be in an executive or managerial capacity.
The U.S. sponsor must belong to a multinational group with a corporate presence in the U.S. and at least one other country.
You must have been employed abroad as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker by an entity of the multinational group for at least one year within the three years immediately preceding the visa application.
The U.S. company must submit a detailed business plan, secure a physical location, and provide evidence of financial capability to support operations.
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 international companies to establish a new U.S. office and transfer key managerial or executive personnel.
Does not require a prior track record of business operations in the U.S.
Supports global business expansion by providing a pathway to the U.S. market.
Facilitates a smooth transition to permanent residency.
Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term employment opportunities in the U.S.
No annual cap, providing a reliable option for eligible professionals.
Cons
Requires at least 1 year of prior employment within the same corporate group, making it unsuitable for new hires.
The initial visa is limited to one year and requires renewal with evidence of business progress.
Requires extensive documentation, including a detailed business plan, proof of funding, and evidence of a physical location.
Employment is limited to the same corporate group, with no options to switch employers.
Limited to specific professions listed under the NAFTA agreement.
Requires employer sponsorship and a specific job offer.
Sponsorship
Required
Required
Validity period
1 year (initial visa)
4 years
Renewable
2-year increments1
Indefinitely, 4-year increments
Without premium processing
2-6 months
1 to 3 months1
With premium processing
15 business days
Not available
Can spouse work
Yes
No
Disclaimers
1Up to a maximum of 7 years in L-1A status.
1Processing time may vary depending on interview wait times at the consulate.
Type
L-1A New Office
Nonimmigrant visa
TN Mexicans
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
L-1A New Office
Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager
TN Mexicans
NAFTA Professionals from Mexico
Profiles that typically qualify
L-1A New Office
Corporate executives, High-level managers, Business owners
TN Mexicans
Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors, Management consultants
Requirements
L-1A New Office
The U.S. job must be in an executive or managerial capacity.
The U.S. sponsor must belong to a multinational group with a corporate presence in the U.S. and at least one other country.
You must have been employed abroad as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker by an entity of the multinational group for at least one year within the three years immediately preceding the visa application.
The U.S. company must submit a detailed business plan, secure a physical location, and provide evidence of financial capability to support operations.
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
L-1A New Office
Enables international companies to establish a new U.S. office and transfer key managerial or executive personnel.
Does not require a prior track record of business operations in the U.S.
Supports global business expansion by providing a pathway to the U.S. market.
Facilitates a smooth transition to permanent residency.
TN Mexicans
Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term employment opportunities in the U.S.
No annual cap, providing a reliable option for eligible professionals.
Cons
L-1A New Office
Requires at least 1 year of prior employment within the same corporate group, making it unsuitable for new hires.
The initial visa is limited to one year and requires renewal with evidence of business progress.
Requires extensive documentation, including a detailed business plan, proof of funding, and evidence of a physical location.
Employment is limited to the same corporate group, with no options to switch employers.
TN Mexicans
Limited to specific professions listed under the NAFTA agreement.
Requires employer sponsorship and a specific job offer.
Sponsorship
L-1A New Office
Required
TN Mexicans
Required
Validity period
L-1A New Office
1 year (initial visa)
TN Mexicans
4 years
Renewable
L-1A New Office
2-year increments1
TN Mexicans
Indefinitely, 4-year increments
Without premium processing
L-1A New Office
2-6 months
TN Mexicans
1 to 3 months1
With premium processing
L-1A New Office
15 business days
TN Mexicans
Not available
Can spouse work
L-1A New Office
Yes
TN Mexicans
No
Disclaimers
L-1A New Office
1Up to a maximum of 7 years in L-1A status.
TN Mexicans
1Processing time may vary depending on interview wait times at the consulate.