Lighthouse Library
Resources for every visa path
Practical guides for founders, researchers, and the teams moving them to the United States.
Form G-1145Know The Moment USCIS Accepts Your CaseForm G-1145 tells you the moment USCIS accepts your filing. Learn who should use it, how to fill it out, where to mail it, and what the alert contains.
READ GUIDEForm I-824 ExplainedHow To Act On An Approved PetitionForm I-824 asks USCIS to act on an approved case, such as consular notification or a duplicate notice. See who files, the fee, and processing time.READ GUIDEForm I-90 Filing FeeCost, Payment, And Waivers In 2026The I-90 filing fee in 2026 is $415 online or $465 by mail, biometrics included. See fee waivers, free categories, and how to pay correctly.
READ GUIDEGreen Card For International StudentsPathways And CostsA green card for international students is possible after F-1. Compare EB-2 NIW, employer, and marriage routes, plus 2026 costs and rules.
READ GUIDEI-485 Processing Times In 2026How Long They TakeMost I-485 cases finish in 8 to 14 months in 2026, but timelines run from 6 months to 3+ years. See current processing times by category, stage, and office.READ GUIDEForm I-90How To Renew Or Replace Your Green CardForm I-90 renews or replaces your green card. Learn the 2026 cost, processing time, how to file online, and what happens after you submit.READ GUIDE
VISA PATHWAYS
Explore the visa that is right for you
Select a visa for deeper detail on fit, sponsor model, timing, and the evidence that usually drives the case.Nonimmigrant visas
O-1AFor science, business, education, or athletics leaders with sustained acclaim.Extraordinary abilityEmployer or U.S. agentO-1BFor artists and entertainment professionals with distinction or extraordinary achievement.Arts and creative achievementEmployer or U.S. agentH-1BFor specialty roles requiring highly specialized knowledge and a related degree.Specialty occupationU.S. employerH-1B1A treaty-based specialty occupation option for Chilean and Singaporean citizens.Chile and Singapore specialty occupationU.S. employerTNFor Canadian and Mexican citizens working in listed professional roles.USMCA professionalsU.S. employer or entityE-3A specialty occupation route reserved for Australian nationals.Australian specialty occupationU.S. employerJ-1For approved work-and-study exchange programs administered through a sponsor.Exchange visitorDepartment of State-designated sponsorL-1AFor executives and managers moving within a qualifying company group.Executive or manager transferQualifying multinational employerL-1BFor employees with specialized company knowledge moving to a U.S. affiliate.Specialized knowledge transferQualifying multinational employer
Green cards
EB-2 NIWFor advanced degree or exceptional ability candidates whose work serves the national interest.Self-petition green cardSelf-petition availableEB-1AA self-petition green-card path for extraordinary ability candidates.Extraordinary ability green cardSelf-petition availableEB-1BFor outstanding researchers and professors with international recognition.Outstanding professor or researcherU.S. employerEB-1CFor multinational executives and managers moving into long-term U.S. leadership roles.Multinational manager or executiveQualifying multinational employerEB-2/EB-3with PERMEmployer-sponsored permanent residence through PERM labor certification.Employer-sponsored green cardU.S. employer