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 allows professionals with a bachelor's degree or more to work in the U.S. in specialty roles. This employer-sponsored status provides work authorization for three years, with an extension to six. Professionals in Houston's technology, healthcare, and finance sectors use this visa to work legally for American companies.
A key benefit is dual intent, which lets you pursue permanent residence while you hold H-1B status. This keeps long-term immigration options open as you advance your career. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity, 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 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.
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. It walks you through the requirements and shows how to build a stronger case. Submit your information through a simple form, and we will follow up with guidance on potential paths forward.
Your petition gets a full review from experienced H-1B attorneys who know USCIS requirements. We help you navigate complex situations like job changes or amendments and ensure your application avoids common pitfalls. You have access to an H-1B visa attorney for guidance from start to finish.
Always know where your petition stands. The Lighthouse platform shows your current status, required documents, and important deadlines. We outline clear timelines and what to expect next, so you can plan ahead with confidence and without any surprises.
We work with professionals in technology, engineering, and research. Our team understands the unique requirements for software engineers, data scientists, and other specialty occupations, and we use this knowledge to prepare a strong H-1B petition on your behalf.
"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
-min.avif)
"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!"
-min.avif)
"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."
“US O1A visa approved! Thanks to Lighthouse that was much faster and less effort than I expected, they just took care of everything!”
“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.”
"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!"
"It was really great working with Minn and I strongly recommend a chat with her if you need help getting a visa!"
"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."
Read our in-depth guide to learn about the complete H-1B visa process from eligibility to approval.
%201.svg){kind=icon}
Each March, USCIS accepts H-1B registrations for a random lottery that selects 85,000 petitions. If your registration gets selected, your employer can file the full petition. However, some Houston employers like universities and nonprofit research groups are cap-exempt. They can sponsor H-1B workers at any time, outside the lottery system.
To qualify, you generally need a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a specific field. The job itself must also require this degree, which makes it a "specialty occupation." Your professional experience can sometimes substitute for a formal degree. The role must match your educational background for a successful H-1B petition.
A recent presidential proclamation introduced a significant fee for some new H-1B petitions. This fee only applies 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.
The process starts with the March lottery registration. If selected, your employer can file the petition from April 1. Standard process times can take several months. With premium process, you get a decision in 15 calendar days. If approved, your H-1B status and work authorization typically start on October 1 of that year.
H-1B portability allows you to switch employers. Your new company must file a new H-1B petition for you. Once USCIS accepts the petition and issues a receipt notice, you can start work at the new job. This feature gives you the freedom to pursue better career opportunities without a new lottery entry.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get H-4 dependent visas to accompany you. They can attend school and live in the U.S. with you. In certain situations, such as when you have an approved I-140 green card petition, your spouse may also apply for and receive work authorization.
Answer
With Lighthouse, you get clear guidance on your options and a legal team, including an expert H-1B visa lawyer, that manages your case through USCIS submission.
%201-min.avif)
