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

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

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Advance your career with the H-1B visa

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.

Check your H-1B eligibility

You may be eligible for an H-1B visa if you meet the following core requirements:

Our four steps to a faster H-1B petition

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.

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01

A clear path forward

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.

02

Expert legal review

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.

03

Total process transparency

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.

04

Designed for technical roles

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.

Your H-1B petition made simple

Lighthouse gives you a secure, central hub for your application. Upload key files, communicate with your case team, and review personalized documents. You can edit and sign everything digitally, then check the complete petition before it is submitted on your behalf.

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

Explore our complete H-1B visa guide

Read our guide for a complete overview of the H-1B visa process, from eligibility to approval, including:

  • Step-by-step application process
  • H-4 visas for dependents
  • Change jobs with H-1B portability
  • Complete 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 cap-exempt employers?

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.

What education and job experience do I need to qualify for an H-1B visa?

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.

What must my employer do for my H-1B and who pays the fees?

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.

How can I change jobs and move to a new company on my H-1B visa?

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.

Can my spouse work in the U.S. if I have an H-1B visa?

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.

What is this new $100,000 H-1B fee and does it apply to me?

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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Begin your H-1B journey with confidence

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.

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