United States
ChileCompare visas
H-1B vs L-1
The H-1B works with any employer hiring you for a specialty occupation, but it goes through the annual lottery. The L-1 has no lottery or cap, though it only covers a transfer within your own company after at least a year working there. Both allow dual intent; the L-1 also lets your spouse work.
These two categories differ on 7 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
L-1 Transfer within the same company
Needs a sponsor
H-1B Yes, an employer offer
L-1 Yes, your own company
Annual cap
H-1B 65,000 plus 20,000 for master's
L-1 No cap
Lottery
H-1B Yes, March registration
L-1 None
Duration
H-1B 3 years, up to 6
L-1 L-1A up to 7 years, L-1B up to 5
Spouse may work
H-1B H-4, only with an approved I-140
L-1 Yes, on an L-2
Path to residence
H-1B Yes, the usual route
L-1 Yes, EB-1C for executives
Full comparison
| Criterion | H-1B H-1B visa | L-1 L-1 visa |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Work in a specialty occupation | Transfer within the same company |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | Yes, an employer offer | Yes, your own company |
| 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, Form I-129 |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | 3 years, up to 6 | L-1A up to 7 years, L-1B up to 5 |
| Dual intent Whether you can pursue residence without risking the status. | Yes | Yes |
| Spouse may work Whether your partner is authorised to work. | H-4, only with an approved I-140 | Yes, on an L-2 |
| Path to residence Whether it leads to a green card or is one already. | Yes, the usual route | Yes, EB-1C for executives |
| Chile's position What being Chilean changes. | No particular advantage | No particular advantage |
Figures verified on 2026-09-11
This table is general guidance, not legal advice or an eligibility assessment.
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