L-1 vs H-1B: Key Differences Compared
L-1 versus H-1B: the cap and lottery, who qualifies, time limits, family work rights and when each fits. A side-by-side comparison for employers and employees.
Page reviewed October 17, 2026.
What it is
The L-1 needs a qualifying relationship between a foreign company and a U.S. company and one year of employment abroad for the company, and has no cap or lottery.
The H-1B needs a specialty occupation and a qualifying degree and is subject to an annual cap and lottery. The L-1A lasts up to seven years and the L-1B up to five, against six for the H-1B.
Side by side
| Item | L-1 | H-1B |
|---|---|---|
| Annual cap and lottery | No | Yes, with exemptions |
| Basis | Transfer within a multinational after one year abroad with the company | Specialty occupation and a qualifying degree |
| Who files | The U.S. employer or a foreign company opening a new office | The U.S. employer |
| Maximum stay | 7 years (L-1A), 5 years (L-1B) | 6 years, with exceptions |
| Spouse work rights | Spouses in L-2S status can work | H-4 spouses can work only in some situations |
| Labor certification | Not required | A Labor Condition Application is required |
When the L-1 fits
- The company has a foreign office and the employee has worked there for at least a year.
- The role is executive or managerial, or requires specialized knowledge of the company.
- The employer wants to avoid the H-1B lottery.
When the H-1B fits
- The employee has no year of employment with a related foreign company.
- The role is a specialty occupation that matches the employee's degree.
If neither fits
People with strong evidence of acclaim in their field can look at the O-1, which has no cap or lottery and does not depend on a foreign affiliate.
Pricing
L-1 pricing
$10,000
flat fee, any visa
What the fee includes
- Eligibility strategy mapped to the requirements of your visa
- Support, expert and reference letters drafted and coordinated for you
- The full legal brief and every exhibit, prepared and filed
- RFE responses included at no additional cost
- Real-time updates in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese
- One team from first call to approval. No handoffs.
- If USCIS denies a petition Lando filed, Lando refunds its fee. Terms apply.
USCIS government filing fees are separate and paid directly to USCIS.
Why Lando
How Lando compares
A plain comparison with the way immigration petitions are commonly handled. Terms vary by firm, so check any provider's terms before you hire.
Price
Lando$10,000 flat fee per visa, published on the visa pages.
Commonly elsewhereOften billed hourly or by stage, so the total can change as the case grows.
Request for Evidence
LandoResponses are included at no extra cost.
Commonly elsewhereSometimes charged separately. Ask before you hire.
If USCIS denies
LandoLando refunds its fee for a petition it filed. Terms apply.
Commonly elsewhereNot always offered. Ask what is refunded.
Retainer
LandoNo retainer to begin, and no surprise invoices later.
Commonly elsewhereA retainer paid up front is common.
Who does the work
LandoOne team from first call to decision. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys.
Commonly elsewhereVaries. Ask who will work on your file.
Languages
LandoCase updates in English, French, Spanish or Portuguese.
Commonly elsewhereVaries by firm.
Legal advice
LandoLando is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Commonly elsewhereA law firm can give you legal advice and represent you directly.
General comparison, not a statement about any named firm. USCIS fees are separate and are paid directly to USCIS. No one can promise a USCIS decision.
How it works
From first call to filed petition
1. Evaluation
You get an honest answer.
We review your situation on a 15-minute call and tell you honestly whether the visa fits and what would make the case stronger. No retainer. No commitment.
2. Strategy
You know exactly what your case looks like.
We map which company documents and evidence prove each requirement, and what is still missing. You see the full picture before we file anything.
3. Preparation
Your petition is built without you lifting a finger.
Our team drafts the support letters and the legal brief, curates every exhibit, and reviews the full petition before it leaves our hands. You approve. We file.
4. Filing
Filed. You get on with your life.
Your petition is filed at USCIS and we manage every communication from there. We handle any RFE at no extra charge.
Common questions
Is the L-1 easier than the H-1B?
They are different tests. The L-1 needs a foreign affiliate and a year of employment abroad but has no lottery. The H-1B needs a specialty occupation and degree and is subject to the cap.
Does the L-1 have a lottery?
No.
Which lasts longer?
The L-1A lasts up to seven years and the L-1B up to five. The H-1B generally lasts up to six, with exceptions.
Can an L-1 spouse work?
A spouse in valid L-2S status is employment authorized incident to status.
Can I switch from the H-1B to the L-1?
If the person and employer meet the L-1 requirements, including a year of employment abroad with the company within the previous three years, the employer can file a petition. It depends on the facts.
Is Lando a law firm?
No. Lando is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys. For advice about your own situation, speak to a licensed immigration attorney.
Sources
Lando is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys.