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ChileCompare visas
H-1B1 vs H-2B
Both are temporary work visas with an employer behind them, but they target opposite profiles. The H-1B1 requires a degree and a specialty position, and has a quota of 1,400 reserved for Chile; the H-2B covers temporary non-agricultural jobs and shares a cap of 66,000 that tends to run out. If you are a Chilean professional with a degree, the H-1B1 avoids both the Department of Labor certification and the race for that cap.
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
What it is for
H-1B1 Work in a specialty occupation
H-2B Temporary non-agricultural work
Needs a sponsor
H-1B1 Yes, an employer offer
H-2B Yes, an employer
Annual cap
H-1B1 1,400, reserved for Chile
H-2B 66,000, in two halves of 33,000
Lottery
H-1B1 None
H-2B No, but the cap runs out
Prior USCIS petition
H-1B1 No, straight to the consulate
H-2B Yes, DOL certification then I-129
Duration
H-1B1 1 year, renewable
H-2B Up to 1 year, 3 cumulative
Path to residence
H-1B1 Not on its own
H-2B It does not lead there
Chile's position
H-1B1 Its own quota under the free trade agreement
H-2B A DHS country list renewed annually
Full comparison
| Criterion | H-1B1 H-1B1 visa | H-2B H-2B visa |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Work in a specialty occupation | Temporary non-agricultural work |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | Yes, an employer offer | Yes, an employer |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | 1,400, reserved for Chile | 66,000, in two halves of 33,000 |
| Lottery Whether access depends on a random selection. | None | No, but the cap runs out |
| Prior USCIS petition Whether a form must be approved before the consulate. | No, straight to the consulate | Yes, DOL certification then I-129 |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | 1 year, renewable | Up to 1 year, 3 cumulative |
| 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 | H-4, no work permit |
| 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 | A DHS country list renewed annually |
Figures verified on 2026-09-11
This table is general guidance, not legal advice or an eligibility assessment.
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