Sometimes companies need workers and cannot find the right talent in America. Sometimes a company has a great employee overseas that they want to bring in. In these situations, employers might want to look into an L-1 or H-1B visa. Both of these can be used to work in the United States, but they are not interchangeable. Here’s what you should know about each option, straight from our Fairfax County work visa lawyers.
How is an L-1 Visa Used?
This is for a specific type of employee who works for a multinational company. The employer already has an existing relationship with the employee, but they work in another country. Now the employer wants to bring them to the United States.
Not just any worker can qualify for L-1 status though. This needs to be someone who has been employed by the multinational company for at least an entire year. They also have to be in executive or manager roles. It makes more sense to bring this worker with a particular background and set of skills to the United States than it does to look for local talent.
How is an H-1B Visa Used?
These are meant for workers with a bachelor’s degree and the knowledge needed to perform a specific occupation. Common jobs for H-1B workers include engineers, IT staff, and architects.
It’s also important to note that these credentials have a strict limit. Only 65,000 people can get this visa each year through a lottery system, and another 20,000 are reserved for those with particularly impressive educational backgrounds. There are no such caps on L-1 applications.
How Long Do These Visas Last?
The L-1 visa gives someone five years or seven years to stay in the country and work. An L-1A worker gets seven years and an L-1B worker gets five years. A holder of an H-1B visa can stay for six years.
Can I Renew These or Apply for a Green Card?
In some cases, yes. An H1-B visa can be renewed for an additional three years. A worker can also switch from one of these visas to the other, if that suits their purposes. Finally, both options do allow workers to apply for a green card without affecting their status. If you have been permitted to work in the United States and you’re wondering what comes next, talking to an immigration lawyer should be on your to-do list.
Talk to Our Immigration Attorneys
If you have other questions about how worker visas work, we’re here to assist you. Contact Goel & Anderson to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options as an employer. We’ll help you figure out the best way to find the talent your company needs.
