H-1B Specialty Occupation vs H-1B1 Specialty Occupation

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your nationality and long-term goals. The H-1B is the standard path for skilled workers worldwide, but the H-1B1 offers a streamlined alternative if you're a Singapore or Chile national. Both require employer sponsorship, but they differ significantly in cost, processing speed, and immigration trajectory.

Further reading: H-1B visa guide · H-1B1 visa guide

1. 01

   Your nationality

   Pick H-1B

   Choose H-1B if you're not a Singapore or Chile citizen. It's open to all nationalities with employer sponsorship.

   Pick H-1B1

   Choose H-1B1 only if you hold Singapore or Chilean citizenship. It's restricted to these two countries.

2. 02

   Avoiding the lottery

   Pick H-1B

   Choose H-1B if you're comfortable with the annual cap and lottery system affecting your odds.

   Pick H-1B1

   Choose H-1B1 if you want to skip the lottery entirely. It's exempt from the H-1B cap.

3. 03

   Cost and speed

   Pick H-1B

   Choose H-1B if you can budget $2460 and wait 3-6 months for processing to be complete.

   Pick H-1B1

   Choose H-1B1 if lower cost ($460) and faster processing (1-3 months) are priorities for you.

4. 04

   Long-term PR pathway

   Pick H-1B

   Choose H-1B if you want a realistic path to permanent residence within approximately 5 years.

   Pick H-1B1

   Choose H-1B1 if you don't need a PR pathway. It's a short-term work visa alternative.

Is the H-1B Specialty Occupation or the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation faster to get?

The H-1B1 Specialty Occupation (H-1B1) is typically faster, around 1–3 months, versus 3–6 months for the H-1B Specialty Occupation. Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

Which costs more, the H-1B or the H-1B1?

The H-1B Specialty Occupation (H-1B) costs more, about $2,460 in official fees, versus $460 for the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation (H-1B1). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the H-1B Specialty Occupation or the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation?

The H-1B leads to permanent residency in roughly 5 years, while the H-1B1 does not lead directly to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do the H-1B and H-1B1 need a job offer?

Yes. Both the H-1B and the H-1B1 require a job offer or employer sponsorship before you apply. Securing an eligible employer is the critical first step for either route.