TN Visa vs L-1 Visa
For Canadian professionals considering intracompany transfers.
| TN Visa | L-1 Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | 63 USMCA professions | Intracompany transferees (manager, executive, specialized knowledge) |
| Requirement | US job offer | 1 year at foreign office of same company |
| Cap | No cap | No cap (L-1A); 5,500/year (L-1B blanket) |
| Processing | Same day at border | 2-6 months (15 days premium) |
| Duration | 3 years renewable | 7 years (L-1A) or 5 years (L-1B) |
| Dual Intent | No | Yes |
| Self-Employment | No | No (but can be executive of own company) |
| New Office | No | Yes (L-1 allows opening new US office) |
When to Consider L-1
L-1 is ideal if you already work for a multinational company with US and Canadian offices.
Last updated: April 2026