It seems as if the news keeps on getting better for Mexican Nationals. Coming off the heels of the extension of the validity periods for their E-1 and E-2 Visas, an announcement was made early this week that Mexican nationals will also benefit from increased visa validity periods in the L-1 category for intracompany executives, managers, or specialized knowledge personnel, and in the H-1b category for specialty occupation professionals.

Along with its E-1/E-2 counterparts, the L-1 visa validity period has been increased up to 48 months (4 years), from its 12-month validity period. As expected, with an increased time period, so too comes increased processing fees of $311 from its former $57.

Riding on the coattails of the L-1, it seems the H-1b also received some grace as well, though not as lengthy as the aforementioned. Extending from a 12 month to a now 36-month period of validity, the H-1b’s fee will also expect increases from $57 to an adjusted $252.

In addition to their extensions, the two visas will also benefit from certainty of being able to return to the US for more prolonged, uninterrupted periods of time.

While the extensions for said visas have indubitably repaired some of the damage between the US and Mexico relations, it’s hard to say whether or not these extensions will elicit future expansion for other visas, as well.