If you’re planning to work in the United States, two common visa options are the L1 visa and the H1 visa. These are both work visas but serve different purposes. Knowing the difference between them can help you choose the one that suits your job role, experience, and goals.
In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about L1 and H1 visas. We’ll break down the requirements, benefits, key differences, and even some stats—using simple, clear language.
What Is an L1 Visa?
The L1 visa is used by companies to transfer employees from one of their foreign offices to their office in the U.S. It is also called an intra-company transfer visa.
Who can apply for an L1 visa?
To be eligible for an L1 visa:
– You must have worked for a related company outside the U.S. for at least 1 year in the last 3 years.
– The U.S. and foreign companies must have a relationship (like parent, subsidiary, or branch).
– You must be coming to the U.S. to work in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role.
What Is an H1 Visa?
The H1 visa (H1-B) is for skilled workers hired by U.S. companies. It’s used when U.S. employers can’t find a qualified American for a specific job.
Who can apply for an H1 visa?
To be eligible for an H1-B visa:
– You must have a job offer from a U.S. company.
– The job must be in a specialty occupation like IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, etc.
– You need a bachelor’s degree or higher related to the job field.
Key Differences Between L1 and H1 Visas
Here’s a simple table to help you understand the major differences:
| Feature | L1 Visa | H1 Visa |
| Purpose | Intra-company transfer | New employment by U.S. company |
| Job Offer Requirement | From same company abroad | From U.S. employer |
| Eligibility | 1+ year work at related company | Degree in specialty occupation |
| Quota/Cap | No yearly cap | Limited to 85,000 per year |
| Duration | Up to 7 years (L1A), 5 years (L1B) | Up to 6 years |
| Spouse Work Rights | L2 spouses can work | H4 spouses usually cannot work |
| Green Card Path | Easier for L1A holders | Available but takes longer |
| Popular Fields | Management, corporate roles | Tech, engineering, medicine |
How Long Can You Stay in the U.S.?
– L1A (Manager or Executive):Up to 7 years
– L1B (Specialized knowledge):Up to 5 years
– H1-B visa:Usually 3 years, extendable to 6 years
After the maximum time, you’ll need to leave the U.S. or switch to another visa or green card status.
Green Card Possibility
If you want to apply for a green card (permanent residency), both visas allow it.
– For L1A visa holders, the green card process is usually faster and doesn’t need labor certification.
– For H1-B visa holders, you need a PERM labor certification, and the process can take several years.
Which Visa Has More Openings?
The H1-B visa has a strict limit. Every year, only 85,000 H1-B visas are issued (65,000 for regular applicants, and 20,000 for those with a U.S. master’s degree).
Due to this cap, H1-B visas are hard to get, and there’s a lottery system to select applicants.
On the other hand, L1 visas don’t have a cap, so if you qualify, you can apply any time of the year without waiting.
Spouse and Family Benefits
Both visa types allow you to bring your spouse and children (under 21).
– L1 visa holders can bring family on L2 visas. Good news: L2 spouses can work in the U.S.
– H1-B visa holders can bring family on H4 visas, but spouses usually can’t work unless they meet special conditions.
Costs and Application Time
– L1 visa: Usually costs are covered by the company. Processing time can vary between 1 to 5 months.
– H1-B visa: Requires lottery wait, then 3–6 months for processing. Employers often pay the fees.
Visa Approval Stats
Here are some stats to help you understand the trends:
– Last year, over 350,000 applications were submitted for H1-B visas, but only 85,000 were approved due to the cap.
– The approval rate for L1 visas is around 75%–80%, while for H1-Bs, it varies due to lottery selection and documentation.
Which Visa Is Better for You?
It depends on your situation:
– If you’re already working for a multinational company outside the U.S., and want to transfer internally, go for an L1 visa.
– If you’re a skilled worker looking for a job in the U.S., and don’t have a connection to a U.S.-based office, then H1-B is your best
FAQs
1. Can I switch from L1 to H1 or vice versa?
Yes, it’s possible, but you’ll need to meet the full requirements of the new visa type and go through the proper process.
2. Which visa is easier to get?
L1 doesn’t have a cap, so if you qualify, it may be easier to obtain than an H1-B, which has a lottery system.
3. Can I apply for both visas at the same time?
Technically, yes. But you’ll need different sponsors and meet both sets of requirements.
How EB2Hub Can Help With L1 Visa Applications
Applying for an L1 visa involves a lot of paperwork, planning, and legal details. If you’re a business owner, manager, or executive looking to move to the U.S. through an intra-company transfer, EB2Hub is here to support you.
We offer expert consulting services that guide you through the L1 visa process—step by step. From eligibility checks to preparing documentation and helping with your company’s U.S. presence, our team ensures a smooth application experience.
Ready to take the next step? Let EB2Hub help you get your L1 visa faster and easier.