Build your U.S. career on H-1B status
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.
Check your H-1B eligibility
You may be eligible for an H-1B visa if you meet the following core requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a field directly related to the specialty occupation you will be working in.
- Have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a role that requires a degree, like a software developer or analyst.
- Your employer must sponsor your H-1B petition and get an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the government.
- Be selected in the annual lottery, unless your job is with a cap-exempt employer like a university or research institution.
How we prepare your H-1B petition faster
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.
Clear visa guidance
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.
Expert legal review
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.
Clarity at every step
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.
Expertise for technical fields
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.
Manage your entire petition online
Our platform puts you in command of your H-1B petition. Upload critical files, message your case team, and edit and sign personalized documents in one central hub. An expert H-1B visa attorney from our team helps you review the final application before we submit it.
Download our complete H-1B visa guide
Read our in-depth guide to learn about the complete H-1B visa process from eligibility to approval.
- Step-by-step application process
- H-4 visas for dependents
- Job changes and H-1B portability
- Timeline and cost breakdown
- The 2026 H-1B Fee Rule
Frequently asked questions
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.
Start your H-1B application with Lighthouse
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.