Advance your career with an H-1B visa
The H-1B visa allows professionals with a degree to work in U.S. specialty occupations. This employer-sponsored pathway provides work authorization for three years, with an extension up to six. It creates opportunities in Ft. Lauderdale for experts in technology, healthcare, and finance to match their skills with roles at American companies.
A key advantage is dual intent, which lets you pursue permanent residence while you work. You can build a career with top employers and keep long-term options open. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity, the pathway remains a strong option for professionals who want to advance in the United States.
Check your H-1B eligibility
You may be eligible for an H-1B visa if you meet several key requirements:
- Hold at least 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, like a software engineer, analyst, or researcher.
- Your employer must sponsor your petition and get a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) on your behalf from the U.S. government.
- Understand that most H-1B petitions are subject to an annual lottery, though some employers like universities are exempt from this cap.
Get your H-1B petition ready in weeks
Lighthouse combines technology with the support of an H-1B visa lawyer to prepare your petition. We manage every step, from evaluation to USCIS submission, so you can focus on your work while we handle the details.
Your path forward
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. Submit a simple form, and we follow up with guidance on potential paths. The digital process walks you through each requirement and shows you how to strengthen your case.
Expert attorney support
Your petition receives a thorough review from experienced H-1B attorneys who know USCIS requirements. We address potential issues to minimize delays or RFEs and ensure your application meets every standard. You have legal expertise for guidance on complex situations throughout the process.
Total process transparency
You always know your petition's status. Our platform shows what we need from you, our current tasks, and all future deadlines. Clear timelines and explanations of what comes next at each stage remove uncertainty and help you plan ahead.
Designed for skilled professionals
We work with professionals in technology, engineering, and advanced research. Our team understands the specific requirements for roles like software engineer and data scientist, and prepares petitions that accurately reflect the complexity of their specialty occupation.
Streamline your petition preparation
Lighthouse simplifies your H-1B petition preparation. Upload critical information, communicate with your case team, and review personalized documents. You can edit and sign everything in one central, secure place. This system lets you check your complete application before submission.
Get our complete H-1B visa guide
Read our guide to understand the complete H-1B journey, from initial eligibility to final approval, including:
- Step-by-step application process
- Dependent H-4 visa options
- Job changes with H-1B portability
- Timelines and cost breakdown
- The 2026 H-1B Fee Rule
Frequently asked questions
Each March, USCIS accepts H-1B registrations for a lottery that selects 85,000 petitions. This includes 65,000 for general applicants and 20,000 for those with a U.S. master's degree or higher. Some employers, like universities or nonprofit research groups, are cap-exempt. They can sponsor H-1B workers at any time outside this lottery system.
To qualify, you need a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a specific field. The job must also be a specialty occupation, which means it requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge. Your role in Ft. Lauderdale must directly relate to your field of study for you to be eligible.
The timeline varies. Lottery registration happens in March. If selected, your employer files the petition from April 1. Standard process times can take several months. With premium process service, USCIS acts on your case within 15 calendar days. Your start date, if approved, would be October 1 or later, unless you already have work authorization.
The H-1B portability rule lets you change jobs. Your new employer files a new H-1B petition for you. Once USCIS accepts the petition and sends a receipt notice, you can start work at the new company. This feature gives you the freedom to pursue other opportunities without a gap in your employment status.
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get H-4 dependent visas. They can attend school in the U.S. In certain situations, your spouse may also apply for work authorization. This usually happens after you reach a specific stage in the green card process. They cannot work until they receive their employment authorization document.
A recent presidential 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 possess a valid H-1B visa. If you are in the U.S. and your employer files for an extension, you are exempt.
Begin your H-1B journey with Lighthouse
With Lighthouse, you get clear guidance on your immigration options and a legal team that manages your case from preparation through USCIS submission.