Start your US immigration journey today with an H-1B lawyer in Philadelphia

Lighthouse combines a smart platform with legal expertise to help you navigate the H-1B visa process with clarity and confidence.

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Advance your career with an H-1B visa

The H-1B visa allows professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher to work in specialty occupations. This employer-sponsored route provides three years of work authorization, with a possible extension to six years. Professionals in fields like technology, healthcare, and finance use this status to work for top employers in Philadelphia and across the U.S.

A key benefit is dual intent, which lets you pursue a green card while you work. This feature helps you build a career in the United States with long-term residence options. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the visa remains a strong pathway for skilled professionals.

Check your H-1B eligibility

You may be eligible for an H-1B visa if you meet the following core requirements:

Your H-1B petition prepared in weeks

Lighthouse combines legal expertise with purpose-built technology to prepare your H-1B petition. An H-1B visa immigration lawyer handles every detail, from the Labor Condition Application to USCIS submission, so you can concentrate on your work.

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01

A clear path forward

Our platform helps you explore your visa options through a simple form. It walks you through the requirements and shows how to build a stronger case. After you submit your details, we follow up with guidance on potential paths forward.

02

Expert legal review

Your petition gets a full review from experienced H-1B attorneys who know USCIS standards. They spot potential issues, provide guidance on complex cases, and ensure your application is strong. This expert support minimizes the risk of RFEs, delays, or denials.

03

Total process transparency

You always know where your petition stands. The Lighthouse platform shows your exact status, what we need from you, and what comes next. This transparency provides clear timelines, removes uncertainty, and helps you plan with confidence for future steps.

04

Expertise for skilled professionals

We specialize in H-1B petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and research. Our team has deep knowledge of the specific needs of software engineers, data scientists, and other roles in advanced fields that require specialized expertise.

A direct path for your petition

Lighthouse's platform simplifies each step of your visa preparation. Use our secure digital system to upload critical information. You can communicate with your case team, review documents personalized for your petition, and then edit and sign everything in one central place before the final submission.

Find Your Own Success Story

"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

JANE MANCHUN WONG

"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!"

DWARKESH PATEL

"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."

SHAWN WANG

“US O1A visa approved! Thanks to Lighthouse that was much faster and less effort than I expected, they just took care of everything!”

Jurgis Pasukonis

“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.”

Danielle fong

"We work with Minn to get every HF0 founder an O1. Highly recommend!"

DAVE FONT

"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!"

QUAN VUONG

"It was really great working with Minn and I strongly recommend a chat with her if you need help getting a visa!"

James Hill-Khurana

"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."

MARTIN SRNA

Download our complete H-1B visa guide

Learn about the entire H-1B visa process, from initial eligibility requirements to final approval, including:

  • Step-by-step application process
  • H-4 visas for dependents
  • Change jobs with H-1B portability
  • Complete timelines and costs
  • The 2025 H-1B Fee Rule
READ THE GUIDE

Frequently asked questions

How does the annual H-1B lottery work for Philadelphia professionals?

USCIS accepts H-1B registrations each March for its random lottery. The agency selects 85,000 petitions from this pool. Some employers, like universities or nonprofit research centers, are cap-exempt. They can sponsor H-1B workers at any time, outside the lottery system, which provides more flexibility for applicants in the city.

What are the main education and job requirements for an H-1B visa?

To qualify, you generally need a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a specific field. The job itself must be a specialty occupation, one that requires theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge. Your role in Philadelphia must directly relate to your field of study for a successful petition.

How long does the H-1B visa process take from start to finish?

The timeline varies. Lottery registration happens in March. If selected, your employer files the petition from April 1. A standard process can take several months. With a premium process, USCIS makes a decision in 15 calendar days. If approved, your status starts on October 1, which is when you can begin work.

How can I change jobs and move to a new company on my H-1B?

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 your new job. This feature gives you the freedom to pursue better opportunities without a gap in your work authorization.

Can my spouse and children come with me and can my spouse work?

Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get H-4 dependent visas. Your spouse may be eligible for work authorization if you have an approved I-140 immigrant petition. This allows them to work for any employer in the U.S. without restriction, a significant benefit for many families in your situation.

What is the new $100,000 H-1B fee and must my employer pay it?

This new fee only affects petitions for workers who are outside the United States and do not already possess a valid H-1B visa. Your employer pays all mandatory government fees. If you are in the U.S. for a status change or extension, you are exempt. For more details, review this presidential proclamation summary.

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Partner with an H-1B visa immigration lawyer

Lighthouse provides clear direction on your immigration options and a legal team to manage your case from preparation through USCIS submission.

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