Quick Overview
When L-1 Makes Sense
✔ You own or work for a company that has an office in your home country and plans a U.S. branch.
✔ You have worked with the company for 1+ year in a managerial/executive or specialised role.
💡 Best for entrepreneurs who want to start or expand a business in the U.S.
When H-1B Is Better
✔ You are applying directly to a U.S. employer.
✔ You have a specialised role (engineering, IT, healthcare, etc.)
👍 Good for professionals whose long-term goal is a Green Card via employer sponsorship.
L-1 vs H-1B – Key Legal Differences
1. Caps and Availability
• L-1 isn’t subject to numerical caps.
• H-1B has an annual quota (85k) + new wage-weighted selection.
2. Requirements
• L-1 requires prior work in related company abroad.
• H-1B needs a U.S. degree and job offer.
3. Path to Green Card
• L-1 can lead to EB-1C Green Card (faster) for executives/managers.
• H-1B usually goes through EB-2/EB-3 backlog categories.
Which Should Indian Entrepreneurs Choose?
👉 L-1 if you’re expanding or transferring within your company.
👉 H-1B if you’re skilled and joining a U.S. employer.
Many professionals convert from L-1 to H-1B if changing employers later.
