United States
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L-1 vs B-1/B-2
The B-1/B-2 lets you travel for business or tourism but does not authorise work: it covers meetings, conferences or interviews, not performing services. The L-1 is a genuine work visa, for someone transferring to their own company's US office after a year there. If your company is sending you to operate in the United States rather than visit, a B-1 is not enough.
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
L-1 Transfer within the same company
B-1/B-2 Business or tourism, no work
Needs a sponsor
L-1 Yes, your own company
B-1/B-2 No
Prior USCIS petition
L-1 Yes, Form I-129
B-1/B-2 No, straight to the consulate
Duration
L-1 L-1A up to 7 years, L-1B up to 5
B-1/B-2 Visa up to 10 years, 6-month stays
Dual intent
L-1 Yes
B-1/B-2 Not allowed
Spouse may work
L-1 Yes, on an L-2
B-1/B-2 Not applicable, one each
Path to residence
L-1 Yes, EB-1C for executives
B-1/B-2 It does not lead there
Full comparison
| Criterion | L-1 L-1 visa | B-1/B-2 B-1/B-2 visa |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for The activity the category authorises. | Transfer within the same company | Business or tourism, no work |
| Needs a sponsor Whether someone else has to petition for you. | Yes, your own company | No |
| Annual cap How many are issued per fiscal year. | No cap | No cap |
| Lottery Whether access depends on a random selection. | None | None |
| Prior USCIS petition Whether a form must be approved before the consulate. | Yes, Form I-129 | No, straight to the consulate |
| Duration Initial term and cumulative ceiling. | L-1A up to 7 years, L-1B up to 5 | Visa up to 10 years, 6-month stays |
| Dual intent Whether you can pursue residence without risking the status. | Yes | Not allowed |
| Spouse may work Whether your partner is authorised to work. | Yes, on an L-2 | Not applicable, one each |
| Path to residence Whether it leads to a green card or is one already. | Yes, EB-1C for executives | It does not lead there |
| 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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