It is the dream of many people around the world to transfer to work in the USA, but this is only possible with a sponsored position through a specific visa depending on the type of work. For permanent jobs and residence the application must be for the much valued greencard. For temporary work there are many specialized visas aimed at seasonal jobs and sports events but most people wanting to work for a few years are sponsored for an L1 or H1B visa.

The Different Purposes of the L1 and the H1B

Long term temporary work is only really available for specialty and senior management positions. If the position is a new job in a skilled position with a new company then sponsorship of an H1B visa is required. The company in America has to start the process with the offer of a position and then the legal process begins.

The L1 visa is specifically for an inter-company transfer from a foreign branch to a US location. The visa is limited to managerial and executive personnel or those with very specialized knowledge. The company has to show that there are no American people available to do the work although this seems quite simple for most skilled positions because of the specific nature of the knowledge.