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An L1 Visa (Intra-Company Transferee Visa), grants entry into the United States to a foreign worker who has demonstrated competency as a manager, executive and/or possesses specialized knowledge of procedures integral to the operation of a U.S based enterprise. This visa is most commonly obtained by individuals who are employed by multinational companies.
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Like the L1, an H1B visa is also a nonimmigrant visa which permits foreign workers to enter into to U.S. to carry out the functions of a company, however, the individual must possess knowledge either theoretical or technical in a specialty occupation field. Examples of such include, but are not limited to:
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Engineering
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Medicine
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Science
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Mathematics
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Architecture
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H1-B
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L1
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Not limited to MNCs – any U.S. employer may seek the skills of a foreign worker
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Limited to MNCs
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Requires Specific Degree
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Does not require Specific Degree
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The H1B regular cap is 65,000 with an extra 20,000 reserved for those who have completed their Master’s from a US university.
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No limits to the number of L1s approved every year
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Have to be paid the prevailing wage or actual wage
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No such requirement
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6 yrs plus extension
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7 yrs and no extension
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Need to demonstrate lack of availability of domestic workers
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No Need to do so
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Can also do but is authorized by executive action and therefore not permanent
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Spouse (L2 visa) can apply for Jobs
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