Start your US immigration journey today with an H-1B lawyer in California

Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal expertise from licensed, independent H-1B visa lawyers to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

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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:

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.

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01

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.

02

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.

03

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.

04

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.

Find Your Own Success Story

"Still trying to process this — my second O-1 has been approved! Thank you everyone, truly. Shoutout to for living up to their name when I needed help the most

JANE MANCHUN WONG

"Lighthouse is insanely fast. Your new colleague might not even have finished their work trial by the time Lighthouse has already gotten them an O1 visa. Highly recommend working with them!"

DWARKESH PATEL

"If you also want to join the league of extraordinary aliens, you should use Lighthouse. Impressively fast, but also confidently handled with the minimum fuss and very responsive which is just so calming in an otherwise very stressful process."

SHAWN WANG

“US O1A visa approved! Thanks to Lighthouse that was much faster and less effort than I expected, they just took care of everything!”

Jurgis Pasukonis

“The weight of dealing with the immigration stuff has been some of the heaviest in my life...so her calm, extreme competence and her warmth made me so cared for.”

Danielle fong

"We work with Minn to get every HF0 founder an O1. Highly recommend!"

DAVE FONT

"O-1A approved! Thanks to Minn and Lighthouse for their guidance and support throughout the whole process. Would recommend working with them for your visa needs. Blazingly fast, no fuss and very responsive!"

QUAN VUONG

"It was really great working with Minn and I strongly recommend a chat with her if you need help getting a visa!"

James Hill-Khurana

"I am forever grateful to Minn for helping me get O1A. Having dealt with a number of visas and attorneys over the past 5 years, working with Minn was the first time I felt supported and safe! Can't recommend enough. Awesome people, incredible product."

MARTIN SRNA

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 2025 H-1B Fee Rule
READ THE GUIDE

Frequently asked questions

How does the H-1B lottery work, and what are the chances for selection?

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.

What are the specific education and job requirements to qualify for an H-1B visa?

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.

What is the typical H-1B timeline from the lottery to my first day at work?

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.

How can I switch to a new employer if I already have an H-1B visa?

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.

Can my spouse and children come to California with me on my H-1B visa?

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.

What is the new $100,000 H-1B fee and does it apply to my situation?

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.

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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.

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