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:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent in a field directly related to the specialty occupation.
- Have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialty occupation—a role requiring a bachelor's degree, like a software developer.
- Your employer must sponsor your petition and get an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) on your behalf.
- Understand that most petitions require selection in the annual lottery, though some employers like universities are cap-exempt.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 2026 H-1B Fee Rule
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.