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The H-1B visa is for foreign workers in specialty occupations who have a bachelor’s degree or higher, while the L-1 visa is for intracompany transferees, allowing employees of multinational companies to transfer to a U.S. branch, affiliate, or subsidiary. Both visas have different eligibility criteria and application processes.

Yes, it is possible to apply for a green card while on a temporary work visa, such as an H-1B or L-1 visa. The process typically involves an employer sponsoring the employee for an employment-based green card, which requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and completing several steps, including labor certification and filing an immigrant petition.

Processing times for U.S. visa applications vary depending on the visa type, the applicant’s country of residence, and the specific U.S. embassy or consulate handling the application. In general, non-immigrant visa processing times can range from a few weeks to several months, while immigrant visas may take several months to over a year.

In some cases, applicants with a pending green card application may be eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that allows them to work legally in the United States while awaiting a decision on their application.

A green card grants a foreign national permanent residence in the United States, allowing them to live and work in the country indefinitely. U.S. citizenship, on the other hand, is obtained through the naturalization process and provides additional rights and benefits, such as voting in federal elections and holding a U.S. passport.

If you have a pending green card application and need to travel outside the United States, you may be eligible to apply for Advance Parole, a travel document that allows you to leave and re-enter the country without abandoning your application. It is important to obtain Advance Parole before departing the United States to avoid complications with your green card application.