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ChileCompare visas
H-1B1 vs H-1B
Both cover work in a specialty occupation with a degree and a job offer, but the H-1B1 exists only for citizens of Chile and Singapore. If you are Chilean it skips the March lottery and the USCIS petition; in exchange it does not allow dual intent. The H-1B is open to any nationality and is the usual route to a green card.
These two categories differ on 8 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
Annual cap
H-1B1 1,400, reserved for Chile
H-1B 65,000 plus 20,000 for master's
Lottery
H-1B1 None
H-1B Yes, March registration
Prior USCIS petition
H-1B1 No, straight to the consulate
H-1B Yes, Form I-129
Duration
H-1B1 1 year, renewable
H-1B 3 years, up to 6
Dual intent
H-1B1 Not allowed
H-1B Yes
Spouse may work
H-1B1 H-4, no work permit
H-1B H-4, only with an approved I-140
Path to residence
H-1B1 Not on its own
H-1B Yes, the usual route
Chile's position
H-1B1 Its own quota under the free trade agreement
H-1B No particular advantage
Full comparison
| Criterion | H-1B1 H-1B1 visa | H-1B H-1B visa |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Work in a specialty occupation | Work in a specialty occupation |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | Yes, an employer offer | Yes, an employer offer |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | 1,400, reserved for Chile | 65,000 plus 20,000 for master's |
| Lottery Whether access depends on a random selection. | None | Yes, March registration |
| Prior USCIS petition Whether a form must be approved before the consulate. | No, straight to the consulate | Yes, Form I-129 |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | 1 year, renewable | 3 years, up to 6 |
| Dual intent Whether you can pursue residence without risking the status. | Not allowed | Yes |
| Spouse may work Whether your partner is authorised to work. | H-4, no work permit | H-4, only with an approved I-140 |
| Path to residence Whether it leads to a green card or is one already. | Not on its own | Yes, the usual route |
| 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.
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