Choosing the right visa option for working in the U.S. is important, as it impacts your career, family, and future immigration prospects. If you are a professional looking to move to the United States, you might be comparing the L1 visa with other popular options for the work visa, like the E-2 visa, H-1B, and the O-1, TN. Each has its criteria, benefits, limitations, and eligibility.
In this guide, we will discuss the differences between visas and how the L1 visa stacks up against other work visas. So, you may have a clear understanding of what to choose for betterment.
What Is The L1 Visa?
The L1 visa is designed for intra-company transfers; it is a non-immigrant visa. It allows the international companies to relocate managers (L1A), executives, or the employees with specialized knowledge (L1B) to a U.S office. The L1 visa supports opening a new branch in the U.S, even if your company does not have a U.S office yet.
The Key Features Of The L1 Visa
- No annual cap or lottery
- Spouse eligible for work authorization (L2 visa)
- Dual intent (that can also lead to a green card)
- Duration upto 7 years for L1A, 5 years for L1B
How To Choose The Right Work Visa?
Here are some concerning questions to focus on while selecting the visa option:
- Are you investing in or starting a U.S business? You should explore the E-2 visa
- Are you a recent graduate or a U.S job seeker? Look for H-1B
- Do you work for a multinational company? L1 is the best option
- Are you a high achiever in your field? O-1 could be a great fit
- Are you from Canada or Mexico? TN is the easiest way to follow up
The Comparison Table Of The Visa
| Feature / Criteria | L1 Visa | H-1B Visa | O-1 Visa | E-2 Visa |
| Purpose | Intra-company transfer for executives, managers, or specialized knowledge workers | Employment in specialty occupations | For individuals with extraordinary ability | For investors or essential employees from treaty countries |
| Eligibility | Must have worked for a related foreign company for at least 1 of the last 3 years | Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specialized field | Extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, business, etc. | Substantial investment in U.S. business |
| Employer Requirement | A U.S. company must be affiliated with a foreign entity | Must petition and offer a job at the prevailing wage | Must act as a petitioner or agent | U.S. businesses must be at least 50% treaty-nationally owned |
| Visa Cap / Lottery | No cap or lottery | Subject to annual cap and lottery (85,000 total) | No cap | No cap |
| Processing Time | Several weeks to months (Premium Processing available) | Typically 3–6 months (Premium Processing optional) | Varies by petition quality and category | Typically 2–4 months |
| Validity / Duration | L1A: Up to 7 years; L1B: Up to 5 years | Up to 6 years total (initial 3 + extensions) | Initial 3 years, renewable in 1-year increments | Usually 2 years, renewable indefinitely |
| Dependent Benefits | L2 spouses can work (with EAD) | H-4 spouses can apply for EAD (if H-1B is on track to a green card) | O-3 dependents cannot work | E-2 spouses can work automatically (as of the 2022 update) |
| Green Card Pathway | Strong path: L1A → EB-1C (no PERM required) | H-1B → EB-2/EB-3 (PERM required) | O-1 → EB-1A (extraordinary ability category) | No direct path, must switch to an immigrant visa later |
| Dual Intent Allowed? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (E-2 is non-immigrant intent) |
| Self-Sponsorship Possible? | No | No | No (must have sponsor/agent) | Yes, if you are the investor |
| Ideal For | Multinational companies transferring key staff to the U.S. | U.S. employers hiring foreign professionals | High-achieving individuals in the arts, business, and science | Entrepreneurs investing in and managing U.S. businesses |
| Nationality Restrictions? | None | None | None | Yes – must be from E-2 treaty country |
| Ownership of U.S. Business? | Allowed (L1 New Office category) | Not applicable | Not applicable | Required if you are the investor |
Need Help Understanding The Best Option For The Visa?
Connect with EB2Hub to explore your U.S immigration strategy, confidently work toward your green card, and optimize your visa choice.
Choosing the right work visa depends on your career goals, immigration strategy, and current employment situation. The L1 visa is a powerful tool for international businesses and executives who want to expand their footprint in the U.S. but it is not always the best fit for the independent professionals, self employed entrepreneurs and new graduates.
We guide professionals and employers through every stage of the U.S immigration process from selecting the right visa to pursuing permanent residency. Whether you are deciding between L1 and H-1B or exploring investors like E-2, our team provides personalized, strategic immigration support.