Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services from licensed, independent H-1B attorneys to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
The H-1B visa allows professionals with a degree to work in specialty occupations across Oakland. This employer-sponsored status provides work authorization for three years, with a possible extension to six. It creates a pathway for experts in fields like technology, healthcare, and finance to contribute their skills to U.S. companies.
A significant benefit is dual intent, so you can pursue permanent residence while you hold H-1B status. This feature lets you build a career and establish roots in the United States. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the visa remains a valuable route for professional growth.
You may be eligible for an H-1B visa if you meet the following core requirements:
Lighthouse combines technology and legal expertise to prepare your H-1B petition fast. An expert H-1B visa lawyer oversees your case from evaluation to USCIS submission, so you can concentrate on your career.
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. After you submit your information through a simple form, we follow up with guidance on potential paths. The process walks you through all requirements and shows how to build a stronger case.
Experienced H-1B attorneys review every petition to ensure it meets all USCIS standards. We identify potential problems, address complex situations, and help minimize the risk of delays or denials. You have access to expert legal guidance from start to finish for a stronger application.
You always know your petition's status. The platform shows your progress, outstanding requirements, and upcoming deadlines. With clear timelines and a view of what comes next, you can plan ahead with confidence and eliminate any surprises along the way.
We focus on H-1B petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and advanced research fields. Our team understands the distinct needs of software engineers, data scientists, and similar specialty roles, from complex requirements to important deadlines.
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Read our detailed guide to understand the entire H-1B process from application to approval, including:
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Each March, USCIS accepts H-1B registrations for its annual lottery. The agency selects 85,000 petitions from a large pool of applicants. Some Oakland employers, like universities and nonprofit research groups, are cap-exempt. This status permits them to sponsor H-1B workers at any time of the year, outside the lottery system.
To qualify, you need a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a specific field. Your job must also be a "specialty occupation," which means it requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge. Your employer must show that your role and your qualifications match these government standards.
A recent proclamation introduced a significant fee for some new H-1B petitions. This fee generally applies to petitions for workers who are outside the United States. If you are already in the U.S., you are likely exempt. For more details, review this presidential proclamation summary. Employers must cover all mandatory H-1B costs.
The process starts with lottery registration in early March. Selections happen by the end of that month. Your employer then files the full petition, usually between April and June. Approval times vary, but if successful, your H-1B status and work authorization typically begin on October 1, the start of the fiscal year.
H-1B portability allows you to change employers. Your new company must file a new H-1B petition for you. You do not need to wait for the petition's final approval. Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) confirms receipt of the new petition, you can start work at your new job.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get H-4 dependent visas to accompany you. They can study in the U.S., but most cannot work. However, some H-4 spouses may apply for work authorization if the H-1B visa holder has an approved I-140 immigrant petition, a key step toward a green card.
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With Lighthouse, you get clarity on your immigration options and a dedicated legal team, including an H-1B visa lawyer, to carry your case through USCIS submission.
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