United States
ChileCompare visas
H-1B vs H-2A
The H-1B is for degree-holding professionals in a specialty occupation, open to any nationality, and goes through the March lottery. The H-2A is for temporary farm work with no cap or lottery, but the employer must first obtain a Department of Labor certification. The H-1B allows dual intent and is the usual route to a green card; the H-2A does not lead to residence.
These two categories differ on 10 of 10 criteria. The full table is below, but if you only have a minute, these are the differences that decide a case.
Where they part ways
What it is for
H-1B Work in a specialty occupation
H-2A Temporary or seasonal agricultural work
Needs a sponsor
H-1B Yes, an employer offer
H-2A Yes, an agricultural employer
Annual cap
H-1B 65,000 plus 20,000 for master's
H-2A No cap
Lottery
H-1B Yes, March registration
H-2A None
Prior USCIS petition
H-1B Yes, Form I-129
H-2A Yes, DOL certification then I-129
Duration
H-1B 3 years, up to 6
H-2A Up to 1 year, 3 cumulative
Dual intent
H-1B Yes
H-2A Not allowed
Spouse may work
H-1B H-4, only with an approved I-140
H-2A H-4, no work permit
Path to residence
H-1B Yes, the usual route
H-2A It does not lead there
Chile's position
H-1B No particular advantage
H-2A A DHS country list renewed annually
Full comparison
| Criterion | H-1B H-1B visa | H-2A H-2A visa |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Work in a specialty occupation | Temporary or seasonal agricultural work |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | Yes, an employer offer | Yes, an agricultural employer |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | 65,000 plus 20,000 for master's | No cap |
| Lottery Whether access depends on a random selection. | Yes, March registration | None |
| Prior USCIS petition Whether a form must be approved before the consulate. | Yes, Form I-129 | Yes, DOL certification then I-129 |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | 3 years, up to 6 | Up to 1 year, 3 cumulative |
| Dual intent Whether you can pursue residence without risking the status. | Yes | Not allowed |
| Spouse may work Whether your partner is authorised to work. | H-4, only with an approved I-140 | H-4, no work permit |
| Path to residence Whether it leads to a green card or is one already. | Yes, the usual route | It does not lead there |
| Chile's position What being Chilean changes. | No particular advantage | A DHS country list renewed annually |
Figures verified on 2026-09-11
This table is general guidance, not legal advice or an eligibility assessment.
Neither one is yours?
Answer four questions and we will tell you which category to start with, and why.
Take the testWant to confirm which one applies to you?
The right category depends on the role, your background and your immigration history. We review it with you at no cost.
You pay in stages, as your case moves forward.
We do not ask for the full amount upfront, as is customary in this industry. Our commitment is to your case progressing, and the billing is built around that.