Advance your career with an H-1B visa
The H-1B visa allows professionals with specialized degrees to work for U.S. employers in fields like technology, finance, and healthcare. This employer-sponsored status provides work authorization for three years, extendable to six. It creates a direct path for qualified individuals to contribute their skills within innovation hubs like California.
A key benefit is dual intent, which lets you pursue a green card while you hold H-1B status. This feature offers a stable foundation for long-term career plans. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the visa remains a valuable route for professional advancement.
Check your H-1B eligibility
You may be eligible for an H-1B visa if you meet the following core requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a field that is directly related to your proposed job.
- Have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation, such as an engineer, analyst, or researcher.
- Work with an employer who will file your H-1B petition and get an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA).
- Understand that most petitions are subject to the annual lottery, unless your employer is a cap-exempt organization like a university.
How we streamline your H-1B petition
Lighthouse combines legal expertise with our platform to prepare your H-1B petition in weeks. An H-1B visa lawyer handles every detail, from evaluation to USCIS submission, so you can focus on your work.
A clear path forward
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. Submit your information through a simple form, and we will follow up with guidance on potential paths. The digital process walks you through each requirement and shows how to strengthen your case.
Expert legal review
Your petition receives a detailed review from experienced H-1B attorneys who know USCIS standards. We spot potential issues early, address weak points, and make sure your application is solid. You have legal expertise available for guidance on complex situations and support for your case.
Total process transparency
Always know where your petition stands. Our platform shows your status, outstanding requirements, and upcoming deadlines at a glance. We provide clear timelines and explain what comes next, so you can plan ahead without uncertainty or stress.
A focus on technical roles
Lighthouse specializes in H-1B petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and research. Our team understands the specific requirements of software engineers, data scientists, and other specialty occupations to prepare a strong application on your behalf.
Take control of your petition
Lighthouse provides a central place for your entire petition. You upload key information, communicate with your case team, and review personalized documents. Edit and sign all forms through our secure digital system before you submit the application. An H-1B visa lawyer helps oversee your case preparation.
Get your complete H-1B visa guide
Read our in-depth resource to understand the H-1B journey from start to finish, including:
- The step-by-step process
- H-4 visas for dependents
- H-1B transfer and portability
- H-1B timelines and costs
- The 2026 H-1B Fee Rule
Frequently asked questions
Each March, USCIS accepts registrations for the H-1B lottery. The agency then randomly selects 85,000 petitions: 65,000 for the general pool and 20,000 for applicants with a U.S. master's degree or higher. Some employers, like universities or non-profits, are cap-exempt and can sponsor H-1B professionals at any time outside this lottery system.
To qualify, you must possess at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in work experience. The job itself must be a "specialty occupation," which means it requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge. Your degree must be directly related to the job's duties.
The process starts with lottery registration in early March. Selections usually happen by March 31. Your employer can file the full petition from April 1 for an October 1 start date. The total time from selection to work authorization can vary, but the earliest you can start a new cap-subject job is October 1.
H-1B status has a portability feature. Your new employer must file a new H-1B petition for you. Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) accepts the petition and sends a receipt notice, you can start work at the new company. You do not need to wait for the final approval.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get H-4 dependent visas to accompany you. Certain H-4 spouses may also apply for work authorization. This is generally possible if you, the H-1B holder, have an approved I-140 immigrant petition, which is a major step toward a green card.
A recent presidential proclamation introduced this fee for certain new H-1B petitions. It only affects petitions for workers who are outside the United States and do not already possess a valid H-1B visa. If you are in the U.S. for a status change or extension, this fee does not apply.
Let an H-1B visa lawyer guide your application
Lighthouse gives you clear direction on your immigration options and a dedicated legal team that handles your case from preparation through USCIS submission.