H-1B
VS
H-1B1
Type
Nonimmigrant visa
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
Specialty Occupations
Free Trade Agreement Professionals
Profiles that typically qualify
Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors
Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors, Physical therapists, Agronomists, Management consultants
Requirements
You must hold a 4-year bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (three years of professional experience for each missing year of formal education).
The job must be a specialty occupation, requiring specialized knowledge typically obtained through a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes roles in fields like engineering, mathematics, and technology, where the complexity of the tasks necessitates advanced education.
The employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the position — a rate set by the U.S. Department of Labor based on the occupation, work location, and level of experience. This wage is not flexible and must be met at a minimum.
You must be a citizen of Chile or Singapore.
You must hold a 4-year bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (three years of professional experience for each missing year of formal education).
The job must be a specialty occupation, requiring specialized knowledge typically obtained through a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes roles in fields like engineering, mathematics, and technology, where the complexity of the tasks necessitates advanced education.
The employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the position — a rate set by the U.S. Department of Labor based on the occupation, work location, and level of experience. This wage is not flexible and must be met at a minimum.
Pros
Facilitates a smooth transition to permanent residency.
Requires minimal applicant qualifications beyond a college degree or professional experience.
Easy renewal process with the option to extend stay.
Far less competitive than the H-1B visa, as it does not require an annual lottery.
Cons
Most applications are subject to an annual lottery and a rigid application cycle (except for exempt cases).
Lottery acceptance rates are typically below 20%.
Requires employer sponsorship and a specific job offer in a specialty occupation.
Stricter company requirements for entrepreneurs applying under this visa.
Spouses and dependents do not receive work authorization.
Requires employer sponsorship and a job offer in a specialty occupation.
Annual renewal adds administrative overhead.
Sponsorship
Required
Required
Validity period
3 years
18 months1
Renewable
Once, 3-year extension
Indefinitely
Without premium processing
2-3 months
1-4 months
With premium processing
15 business days
No
Can spouse work
No
No
Disclaimers
-
1Visa issued for 18-month terms with admission to the U.S. in 12-month periods, renewable in 12-month increments.
Type
H-1B
Nonimmigrant visa
H-1B1
Nonimmigrant visa
Description
H-1B
Specialty Occupations
H-1B1
Free Trade Agreement Professionals
Profiles that typically qualify
H-1B
Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors
H-1B1
Software developers, Financial analysts, Medical professionals, Engineers, Scientists, University professors, Physical therapists, Agronomists, Management consultants
Requirements
H-1B
You must hold a 4-year bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (three years of professional experience for each missing year of formal education).
The job must be a specialty occupation, requiring specialized knowledge typically obtained through a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes roles in fields like engineering, mathematics, and technology, where the complexity of the tasks necessitates advanced education.
The employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the position — a rate set by the U.S. Department of Labor based on the occupation, work location, and level of experience. This wage is not flexible and must be met at a minimum.
H-1B1
You must be a citizen of Chile or Singapore.
You must hold a 4-year bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience (three years of professional experience for each missing year of formal education).
The job must be a specialty occupation, requiring specialized knowledge typically obtained through a bachelor's degree or higher. This includes roles in fields like engineering, mathematics, and technology, where the complexity of the tasks necessitates advanced education.
The employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the position — a rate set by the U.S. Department of Labor based on the occupation, work location, and level of experience. This wage is not flexible and must be met at a minimum.
Pros
H-1B
Facilitates a smooth transition to permanent residency.
Requires minimal applicant qualifications beyond a college degree or professional experience.
H-1B1
Easy renewal process with the option to extend stay.
Far less competitive than the H-1B visa, as it does not require an annual lottery.
Cons
H-1B
Most applications are subject to an annual lottery and a rigid application cycle (except for exempt cases).
Lottery acceptance rates are typically below 20%.
Requires employer sponsorship and a specific job offer in a specialty occupation.
Stricter company requirements for entrepreneurs applying under this visa.
Spouses and dependents do not receive work authorization.
H-1B1
Requires employer sponsorship and a job offer in a specialty occupation.
Annual renewal adds administrative overhead.
Sponsorship
H-1B
Required
H-1B1
Required
Validity period
H-1B
3 years
H-1B1
18 months1
Renewable
H-1B
Once, 3-year extension
H-1B1
Indefinitely
Without premium processing
H-1B
2-3 months
H-1B1
1-4 months
With premium processing
H-1B
15 business days
H-1B1
No
Can spouse work
H-1B
No
H-1B1
No
Disclaimers
H-1B
-
H-1B1
1Visa issued for 18-month terms with admission to the U.S. in 12-month periods, renewable in 12-month increments.