Advance your career with an H-1B visa
The H-1B visa lets professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher work in specialty occupations across the U.S. Florida employers sponsor individuals for an initial three years, with a possible extension to six. This pathway allows experts in fields like technology, finance, and healthcare to contribute their skills to the state's economy.
A significant benefit is dual intent, which lets you pursue a green card while you work. This feature keeps your long-term residence options open as you build your career. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the visa remains a valuable route for professionals.
Check your H-1B eligibility
You may qualify for the H-1B visa if you meet several key criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent in a field directly related to your proposed job role.
- Have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation, which is a role that requires a degree.
- Your employer must sponsor your petition and get an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) on your behalf.
- Be selected in the annual H-1B lottery, unless your employer is cap-exempt, like a university or research organization.
How we accelerate your H-1B petition
Lighthouse combines technology with legal expertise to prepare your H-1B petition in weeks, not months. An H-1B visa attorney manages every detail, from evaluation to USCIS submission, so you can focus on your work.
Your potential pathways
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. It walks you through each requirement and shows how to strengthen your case. Submit a simple form with your information, and we will follow up with guidance on the best way forward.
Expert legal review
Your petition gets a thorough review from experienced H-1B attorneys who understand USCIS requirements. We identify potential problems, address weak spots, and make sure your application is solid. You have legal support for complex situations and expert guidance from start to finish.
Clarity at every step
You will always know where your petition stands. The Lighthouse platform shows your application status, what we need from you, and what comes next. Clear timelines and deadlines help you plan ahead and remove all guesswork from the process.
Expertise for skilled professionals
We work primarily with professionals in technology, engineering, and research. Our team understands the specific requirements for software engineers, data scientists, and researchers, and has deep experience with complex roles in other advanced specialty occupations.
A smarter way to prepare
Our platform simplifies your entire H-1B petition. Upload critical information through a secure digital system. Communicate with your case team in one central place. Review, edit, and sign documents personalized for your specific case. Your complete application gets a final check before submission.
Get our complete H-1B visa guide
Read our guide to understand the complete H-1B visa process, from eligibility to final approval, including:
- Step-by-step application guide
- Dependent H-4 visa options
- Job changes and H-1B portability
- Visa timelines and costs
- The 2026 H-1B Fee Rule
Frequently asked questions
Each March, USCIS accepts H-1B registrations for a random lottery. The system selects 85,000 petitions: 65,000 for the general pool and 20,000 for applicants with a U.S. master's degree or higher. A selection allows your employer to submit your petition. Some employers, like universities, are cap-exempt and can sponsor H-1B workers year-round.
To qualify, you need a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a specific field. 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 directly relate to the duties of the professional role you seek.
Your employer acts as your petitioner and must handle the entire application process with USCIS. By law, the company must pay all mandatory government and legal fees associated with the petition. You, the employee, cannot pay for or reimburse your employer for these specific costs. This ensures the employer has a genuine need for your skills.
The H-1B visa has a "portability" feature that allows you to move to a new employer. Your new company must submit a fresh H-1B petition on your behalf. As soon as USCIS confirms receipt of this new petition, you are authorized to start work at the new job. You do not need to wait for final approval.
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get H-4 dependent status. They can attend school, and in some cases, your spouse may be eligible for work authorization. This usually happens if you have an approved I-140 immigrant petition, which is a step toward a green card.
This proposed fee would apply only to certain new H-1B petitions for workers who are outside the United States. If you are already in the U.S. on a different visa or you seek an extension of your current H-1B, this fee does not apply. You can read more about the presidential proclamation details.
Start your H-1B visa journey with Lighthouse
With Lighthouse, you get clear guidance on your options and a legal team, including an expert H-1B visa attorney, that manages your case from preparation through USCIS submission.