Lighthouse combines a smart platform with legal expertise from independent attorneys to help you navigate the H-1B process with clarity and confidence.
The H-1B visa is an employer-sponsored pathway for professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher. It authorizes work in specialty fields like technology and finance for up to six years. This status lets you apply your skills at U.S. companies and establish a professional foundation in the country.
A key benefit is dual intent, which means you can pursue a green card while you hold H-1B status. This feature provides a clear route to long-term career goals. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the visa remains a valuable pathway for skilled professionals.
You may qualify for the H-1B visa if you:
Lighthouse combines our platform with legal expertise to prepare your H-1B petition. An H-1B visa lawyer handles every step, from evaluation to USCIS submission, so you can focus on your career.
Submit your details through a simple form to see your visa options. Our platform guides you through each requirement and shows you how to strengthen your case. We then provide clear guidance on potential paths forward for your application.
Your petition gets a thorough review from an experienced H-1B visa lawyer. Our H-1B attorneys ensure your application meets strict USCIS standards, which reduces the risk of delays or denial. You have access to expert legal guidance for complex situations from start to finish.
You always know the status of your petition. Our platform shows your petition status, required documents, and all upcoming deadlines. Clear timelines explain what comes next, so you can plan with confidence and avoid surprises.
We specialize in H-1B petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and research. Our team understands the unique qualifications for roles like software engineer and data scientist, and the evidence needed for a successful petition in these advanced fields.
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Read our guide to learn about the entire H-1B process, from initial requirements to final approval, including:
Each March, USCIS holds a lottery for 85,000 H-1B slots. This includes 65,000 for all applicants and 20,000 for those with a U.S. master's degree or higher. If selected, your employer files the full petition. Some employers, like universities or non-profit research centers, are exempt from this cap and can file petitions year-round.
You generally need a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a specific field. Your job must also qualify as a "specialty occupation," which means it requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge. This fits most professional roles in San Jose's tech and engineering sectors that demand a degree for the position.
Your employer is the petitioner and must file all paperwork on your behalf. They are legally required to pay all government filing fees and associated legal costs for the petition. You should not pay for these expenses. The employer must also attest that your wage meets or exceeds the local prevailing wage for your role.
The process starts with lottery registration in early March. Selections occur by the end of March. Your employer then has until June 30 to file the full petition. If approved, your H-1B status and work authorization typically begin on October 1, the start of the government's fiscal year. The entire cycle takes several months.
You can change employers through a process called H-1B portability. Your new employer files a new H-1B petition for you. Once USCIS confirms receipt of that petition, you can legally start your new job. You do not need to wait for the final approval, which gives you flexibility to pursue new opportunities in San Jose.
A recent presidential proclamation introduced a new $100,000 fee for some H-1B petitions. This fee only affects 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 an extension, this fee does not apply.
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Lighthouse gives you clear direction on your immigration options and a legal team that takes care of the entire process through USCIS submission.
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