Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services provided by licensed, independent H-1B attorneys to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

The H-1B visa creates a pathway for professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher to work in U.S. specialty occupations like technology, healthcare, or finance. This employer-sponsored status grants work authorization for three years, with a possible extension to six years.
A key advantage is dual intent, which lets you pursue permanent residence while you work in the U.S. This provision keeps your long-term options open as you advance your career. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the visa remains a strong option for skilled professionals.
You may be eligible for an H-1B visa if you meet the following core requirements:
Lighthouse combines technology with legal expertise to prepare your H-1B petition. An H-1B visa attorney oversees your case from evaluation to USCIS submission, so you can concentrate on your work.
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. It walks you through each requirement and shows how to build a stronger case. Submit your details through a simple form, and we will follow up with guidance on potential paths forward.
Experienced H-1B attorneys review your petition to ensure it meets all USCIS standards. We identify potential problems, address complex situations like job changes, and work to minimize the risk of delays or denials. You have access to our legal expertise throughout the entire process.
You always know your petition's status. The platform shows what we need from you, our current tasks, and what comes next. Clear timelines and frequent updates mean you can plan with confidence and face no surprises.
We specialize in H-1B petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and advanced research. Our team has deep knowledge of the specific needs of software engineers, data scientists, and other specialty occupation roles, which informs our entire process.
Read our guide for a complete overview of the H-1B visa process, from eligibility to approval, including:

Each March, USCIS accepts H-1B registrations for its random lottery that selects 85,000 petitions. This total has 65,000 for general applicants and 20,000 for holders of a U.S. master's degree or higher. If selected, your employer can file your petition. Some employers, like universities, can sponsor H-1B workers outside this lottery system anytime.
For an H-1B, you typically need a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a specific field. The job itself must also require this degree for its duties. Relevant work experience can sometimes substitute for a degree. Your role must be a "specialty occupation," which means it demands theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge.
Your employer must file the H-1B petition on your behalf and prove the job is a specialty occupation. The law requires the employer to pay all mandatory government file fees and legal costs associated with the petition. You, the employee, cannot pay for these required expenses, though you may pay for optional services like premium process requests.
Yes, you can move to a new employer. Your new company must file a new H-1B petition for you. After USCIS accepts the new petition and sends a receipt notice, you can start work at the new job. This feature, called portability, gives you the freedom to pursue other opportunities without a permanent tie to one sponsor.
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get H-4 dependent status. Certain H-4 spouses may apply for work authorization. This is generally possible if you, the H-1B holder, have an approved I-140 immigrant petition for a green card. Once they receive their Employment Authorization Document, they can work for any employer in the U.S.
A recent proclamation introduced a significant fee for some new H-1B petitions. This fee applies only to petitions for workers who are outside the United States and do not already hold a valid H-1B visa. If you are in the U.S. and your employer files for a status change or an extension, you are exempt.
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With Lighthouse, you get clear direction on your visa options and a legal team, including an expert H-1B visa attorney, to carry your case from preparation through USCIS submission.