Side by side
All three are work visas with an employer or agent behind them. They differ in who can get them, whether there is a lottery, and how long you can stay.
| H-1B | L-1 | O-1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main idea | A job that needs a degree (specialty occupation) | Transfer inside the same company group | Extraordinary ability or achievement |
| Before you apply | A bachelor's degree or the equal, in a fitting field | Worked abroad for a related company, usually 1 year in the last 3 | Proof of national or international recognition in your field |
| Lottery | Yes, for most new cases (there is a yearly cap) | No | No |
| Who files | Employer | Employer | Employer or agent |
| Usual limit | Up to 6 years in total | L-1A up to 7 years, L-1B up to 5 | Starts with up to 3 years and can be extended |
| Spouse | H-4: work permission only in some cases | L-2: may work | O-3: cannot work |
| Green card plan | Common route, but waits can be long | Common for managers (L-1A) | Possible, often through an ability-based case |
Rules, fees and limits change, so check the official sites. Unofficial; not legal advice.
L-1 and O-1 have no yearly lottery. H-1B usually does.
L-2 spouses can. O-3 spouses cannot. H-4 spouses can only in some cases, so check USCIS.