Why in News?
Following the US’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee, experts compared it with the L-1 visa, highlighting L-1’s advantages for intra-company transfers, automatic spouse work authorization, no lottery or cap, but limited eligibility and strict time restrictions for multinational employees.
Description:
| Feature | H-1B Visa | L-1 Visa |
| Purpose | Allows U.S. companies to hire new foreign professionals for specialty occupations. | Allows multinational companies to transfer employees from foreign offices to the U.S. |
| Eligibility – Employee | Must have specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). | Must have worked for the company for ≥1 year in the past 3 years; role can be manager, executive, or specialized knowledge (no degree required). |
| Eligibility – Employer | Any U.S.-based company can sponsor. | Only multinational companies can sponsor. |
| Annual Cap | Yes – 65,000, plus 20,000 for master’s or higher; highly competitive lottery. | No cap – available year-round. |
| Maximum Duration | 6 years (can extend if the green card process is underway). | L-1A: 7 years; L-1B: 5 years; cannot extend beyond max. |
| Spouse Work Authorization | Limited – H-4 spouse work authorization requires approved I-140 or other eligibility. | Automatic – L-2 spouses can work freely in the U.S. |
| Labor Certification / LCA | Required – employer must submit LCA and attest to wages, working conditions, etc. | Not required – no LCA needed. |
| Flexibility | Can work for multiple employers, transfer to another employer, or change jobs. | Must work exclusively for sponsoring multinational employers. |
| Educational Requirement | Required for specialty occupation; experience can substitute in some cases. | Not required; focus is on company-specific knowledge. |
| Opening New Office | Not allowed as a primary purpose. | Allowed – L-1A can open a new branch, office, or subsidiary. |
| Blanket Petition | Not available. | Large companies can use L-1 blanket petitions for easier processing. |
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