The Department of State recently decreased the validity of certain U.S. work visas for individuals coming from Mexico from two years down to one year. The change applies to H1-B, H2-B, E-1, E-2, TN and L-1 visas and will affect Mexican nationals applying as new applicants as well as those seeking visa renewals on or later than February 22, 2010.
For example, typically, a TN applicant receives a three year visa. However, under the new policy, the applicant will receive a one year visa. This change could also lead to limitations in the length of stay issued on the I-94 card by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officers upon the foreign national’s entry.
The greatest impact of this new policy will be felt by those visa holders that frequently travel in and out of the U.S. To facilitate accurate length of stay issuance on the I-94 card, Mexican nationals should bring their approval notice and employer support letter providing the allowed length of stay.