Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal expertise 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 U.S. specialty occupations. This employer-sponsored status gives you work authorization for three years, extendable to six. Professionals in San Francisco use this pathway to join top companies in technology, finance, and healthcare and advance their careers.
A key benefit is dual intent, which lets you pursue a green card while you work. This keeps long-term residence options open. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the visa remains a strong choice for skilled professionals.
You may be eligible for an H-1B visa if you meet the following core requirements:
Lighthouse combines technology with the expertise of an H-1B visa lawyer to prepare your petition. We manage every step, from evaluation to USCIS submission, so you can focus on your career.
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. It walks you through each requirement and shows you how to build a stronger case. Submit your information through a simple form, and we will follow up with guidance on potential paths.
Experienced H-1B attorneys review your petition to ensure it meets all USCIS standards. We identify potential problems, address weak spots, and help you navigate complex situations like job changes. You get access to legal expertise to minimize delays and strengthen your case from start to finish.
Always know your petition's exact status. The Lighthouse platform shows what we need from you and what comes next. With clear timelines and proactive updates, you can plan for the future without any unwelcome surprises or doubt.
We support H-1B petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and advanced research. Our team has deep knowledge of the specific needs and qualifications of software engineers, data scientists, and other specialty occupation roles.
"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 detailed guide to learn about the entire H-1B process, from initial requirements to final approval, including:
Each March, USCIS accepts H-1B registrations for a random lottery. The system selects 85,000 petitions: 65,000 for general applicants and 20,000 for those with a U.S. master's degree or higher. If selected, your employer files your petition. Some employers, like universities or nonprofit research groups, are cap-exempt and can sponsor workers anytime.
To qualify, you need two things. First, a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in work experience. Second, a job offer for a "specialty occupation." This means the role requires the practical application of specialized knowledge, a standard that most professional jobs in San Francisco meet. Your qualifications must match the job's demands.
The timeline spans several months. Registration occurs in early March, with lottery results before March 31. Your employer then has from April 1 to June 30 for petition submission. Standard government review takes several months, while premium service shortens this to 15 days. An approved petition allows you to start work on October 1.
H-1B status offers portability. To switch jobs, your new employer must file a new H-1B petition on your behalf. You do not enter the lottery again. As soon as USCIS accepts the new petition and sends a receipt notice, you can begin work at the new company. This allows you to pursue better roles.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get H-4 visas to accompany you. They can attend school, and some H-4 spouses may apply for work authorization. Eligibility for spousal work permits usually depends on the H-1B holder's progress toward a green card, such as an approved I-140 immigrant petition.
A presidential proclamation introduced a new fee for certain H-1B petitions. This fee applies only to petitions for workers outside the United States who do not already possess 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 from this new H-1B fee.
Answer
Lighthouse provides clarity on your options and the support of an expert H-1B visa lawyer who will manage your case from preparation through USCIS submission.
%201.svg){kind=icon}
%201-min.avif)
