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

Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services from licensed, independent H-1B immigration lawyers to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

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Advance your career with the H-1B visa

The H-1B visa allows professionals with specialized degrees to work for U.S. employers in Schaumburg. This employer-sponsored status provides a three-year work permit, with an extension possible for up to six years. It opens doors in fields like technology, engineering, research, and finance for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

A key benefit is dual intent, which lets you pursue permanent residence while you work. This feature helps you build a career in the U.S. and keep long-term immigration options open. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the visa remains a valuable path for professionals.

Check your H-1B eligibility

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

How we accelerate your H-1B petition

Lighthouse combines legal expertise with purpose-built technology to prepare your H-1B petition in weeks. We handle every detail, from the Labor Condition Application to USCIS submission, so you can focus on your work.

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01

A clear path forward

Our platform helps you explore your visa options. Submit your information through a simple form, and we will follow up with guidance. The process walks you through each requirement and shows you how to build a stronger case.

02

Expert attorney review

Your petition receives review from experienced H-1B attorneys who know USCIS requirements. They catch potential issues, strengthen weak points, and ensure your application meets every standard. You have legal expertise for guidance on complex situations throughout the process.

03

Clarity at every step

You always know your petition's status. Our platform shows your progress, outstanding requirements, and upcoming deadlines. We provide clear timelines and explain what happens next at each stage. This transparency helps you plan with confidence and reduces uncertainty.

04

Expertise for skilled professionals

We focus on H-1B petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and advanced research fields. Our team understands the unique requirements of software engineers, data scientists, and researchers, and prepares petitions that reflect the complexity of these specialty occupations.

A simpler path to your petition

Our platform simplifies the entire petition process. You upload critical information to a secure digital system and communicate with your case team in one central place. Edit and sign documents personalized for your petition, then review the final application before 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

Get our complete H-1B visa guide

Read our guide for a full breakdown of the H-1B process, from requirements to approval, including:

  • Step-by-step application process
  • H-4 visas for dependents
  • H-1B portability and job changes
  • Timeline and cost breakdown
  • The 2025 H-1B Fee Rule
READ THE GUIDE

Frequently asked questions

How does the annual H-1B lottery work for professionals who live in Schaumburg?

Each March, USCIS accepts H-1B registrations for a lottery that selects 85,000 petitions. This includes 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, are cap-exempt and can sponsor H-1B workers outside this lottery system.

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

To qualify, you must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, or a license in your specialty field. The job itself must be a "specialty occupation," which means it requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge. Your degree must be relevant to the position you seek.

What is the new $100,000 H-1B fee and does it apply to my situation?

A recent presidential proclamation introduced a significant fee for some new H-1B petitions. This fee only applies to 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. for a status change or extension, you are exempt.

What is a realistic timeline from H-1B registration to the first day of work?

The process starts with lottery registration in March. If selected, your employer can file the full petition from April 1. Standard review takes several months, but premium service can shorten this to 15 days. If approved, you can start work on October 1, the first day of the new fiscal year.

How can I switch to a new employer in Schaumburg on my H-1B visa?

You can change jobs thanks to H-1B portability. Your new employer, often with guidance from an H-1B immigration lawyer, files a new petition for you. Once USCIS issues a receipt notice, you can start work at the new company. This feature allows you to pursue new opportunities without a gap in employment.

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 visas to accompany you. An H-4 spouse may apply for work authorization, but only if you, the H-1B holder, have an approved I-140 immigrant petition. This allows them to work for any employer in the U.S. without restriction.

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Start your H-1B application with Lighthouse

With Lighthouse, you get clarity on your visa options and a legal team, including an expert H-1B immigration lawyer, that carries your case through USCIS submission.

Request a free consultation call