United States
ChileWhen the H-1B1 wins
You are Chilean, you have an offer in a specialty occupation and you want to start soon. It is the only route that skips both the lottery and the prior petition, so the calendar is yours rather than the US fiscal year's.
Comparison
The H-1B1 skips the two things that make the H-1B slow
It does not go through the March lottery and, when processed at a consulate, it needs no prior USCIS petition (a change of status inside the US does). For a Chilean professional with an offer, that turns a process bound to the US fiscal year into one measured in weeks. In exchange it gives up dual intent, and that trade matters if your plan is to stay.
How they compare
| How they compare | H-1B1Chile | H-1BGlobal | L-1Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| LotteryWhether access depends on a selection with more registrants than visas. | None | Yes, each March | None |
| USCIS petitionWhether the employer must file an I-129 and wait for approval. | No — consular route | Yes, I-129 | Yes, I-129 |
| Annual capHow many visas exist, and who you compete with for them. | 1,400, Chile only | 85,000, global | No cap |
| Time to visaFrom signed offer to the stamp in the passport. | Weeks | Months, tied to March | Months |
| Maximum durationHow long you can stay before the category runs out. | No cap, renews yearly | 6 years | 7 years (L-1A) · 5 (L-1B) |
| Dual intentWhether you can pursue residence without risking your status. Here the H-1B1 loses. | Not allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Spouse can workWhether your partner can take a job on arrival. | No (H-4 restricted) | H-4, only with an approved I-140 | Yes, on L-2 |
| Entry requirementWhat you need in hand before the process can start. | Degree + offer | Degree + offer | 1 year at the same company |
Which one fits you
When the H-1B wins
You are not Chilean or Singaporean, or permanent residence is your medium-term plan. It allows dual intent, so you can pursue a green card without risking your status — precisely what the H-1B1 does not give you.
When the L-1 wins
You have worked at least a year for a company with a presence in both countries, or your Chilean company is opening an office there. Your spouse can also work with no separate permit — the one advantage neither of the others offers.
Which one applies to your case?
The right category depends on the role, your background and the employer. We confirm it in a free consultation.
Partners
Alliances and Memberships
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