Nonimmigrant visa

Nonimmigrant visa

Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge

NAFTA Professionals from Canada

Specialized knowledge employees

Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors, Management consultants

• The U.S. position must require specialized knowledge (expertise that is distinct, advanced, and critical to the employer's operations).

• 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 Canada.

• 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.

• Enables international companies to establish a new U.S. office and transfer employees with specialized technical or proprietary knowledge.

• 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.

• Focuses on the employee's role within the company rather than their overall career accomplishments.

• Streamlined application process; you can apply directly at the border with a job offer letter.

• Renewable indefinitely, allowing long-term employment opportunities in the U.S.

• No annual cap, providing a reliable option for eligible professionals.

• Offers fewer green card pathways compared to the L-1A.

• 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.

• Maximum renewals are capped at 5 years.

• 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.

Required

Required

1 year (initial visa)

3 years

2-year increments¹

Indefinitely, 3-year increments

2-6 months

Same day

15 business days

Not available

Yes

No

¹Up to a total of 5 years in L-1B status.

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