| Visa |
B-1 |
E |
H-1B |
| Identifying Definition |
Business Visitor |
Treaty Investor/Trader |
Specialty or professional occupation |
| Who typically uses it |
Business Visitor |
Major foreign companies |
Person with a degree or job that requires a degree |
| Do you need a visa stamp? |
Yes (not Canada) |
Yes |
Yes |
| How long is the visa? (Consulate) |
Depends on country reciprocity |
5 years |
3 years |
| How long is the I-94 period of stay? (CIS) |
Typically 3 months |
2 years |
3 years at a time |
| What is the regulatory maximum period of stay? |
6 months |
Indefinite: 2 years at a time |
6 years |
| Can you have dual intent? |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Can you extend your status? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes (6 yrs max) |
| At what point can you work in the U.S. |
Never |
The day you arrive |
If been abroad, as soon as you arrive; it transfer H1B, the day CIS receives the application |
| Can you bring dependents? |
Yes |
Yes (DEP can work) |
Yes [H-4] (DEP cannot work) |
| Visa |
L-1A & L-1B |
TN |
| Identifying Definition |
Specialty or professional occupation |
Treaty National Canada/Mexico |
| Who typically uses it |
Person with a degree or job that requires a degree |
Person with a degree or job that requires a degree |
| Do you need a visa stamp? |
Yes |
Canada – no
Mexico – yes |
| How long is the visa? (Consulate) |
3 years |
1 year at a time |
| How long is the I-94 period of stay? (CIS) |
Initially, 3 years |
1 year |
| What is the regulatory maximum period of stay? |
L1A – 7years
L1B – 5 years |
Indefinite |
| Can you have dual intent? |
Yes |
No |
| Can you extend your status? |
Yes (2 yrs increments) |
Yes |
| At what point can you work in the U.S. |
The day you arrive |
As soon as receive status |
| Can you bring dependents? |
Yes [L-2] (DEP can work) |
Yes [TD] (DEP cannot work) |
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