United States
ChileCompare visas
H-1B1 vs B-1/B-2
The B-1/B-2 covers business or tourism trips, such as meetings, conferences or holidays, but it does not authorise work in the United States. If a US company wants to hire you and you are a Chilean with a professional degree, the right visa is the H-1B1. Both are processed at the consulate with no prior USCIS petition, so the key question is whether you will be paid in the United States.
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-1B1 Work in a specialty occupation
B-1/B-2 Business or tourism, no work
Needs a sponsor
H-1B1 Yes, an employer offer
B-1/B-2 No
Annual cap
H-1B1 1,400, reserved for Chile
B-1/B-2 No cap
Duration
H-1B1 1 year, renewable
B-1/B-2 Visa up to 10 years, 6-month stays
Spouse may work
H-1B1 H-4, no work permit
B-1/B-2 Not applicable, one each
Path to residence
H-1B1 Not on its own
B-1/B-2 It does not lead there
Chile's position
H-1B1 Its own quota under the free trade agreement
B-1/B-2 No particular advantage
Full comparison
| Criterion | H-1B1 H-1B1 visa | B-1/B-2 B-1/B-2 visa |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Work in a specialty occupation | Business or tourism, no work |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | Yes, an employer offer | No |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | 1,400, reserved for Chile | No cap |
| Lottery Whether access depends on a random selection. | None | None |
| Prior USCIS petition Whether a form must be approved before the consulate. | No, straight to the consulate | No, straight to the consulate |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | 1 year, renewable | Visa up to 10 years, 6-month stays |
| Dual intent Whether you can pursue residence without risking the status. | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Spouse may work Whether your partner is authorised to work. | H-4, no work permit | Not applicable, one each |
| Path to residence Whether it leads to a green card or is one already. | Not on its own | It does not lead there |
| Chile's position What being Chilean changes. | Its own quota under the free trade agreement | No particular advantage |
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.