Advance your career with an H-1B visa
The H-1B visa allows professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher to work in U.S. specialty occupations. For professionals in Seattle's technology, research, or finance fields, this employer-sponsored pathway provides work authorization for three years, extendable to six. It is a direct route to legal employment with leading American companies.
A key feature is dual intent, which means you can pursue a green card while you hold H-1B status. This keeps your long-term immigration options open. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the visa remains a valuable option for skilled professionals.
Check your H-1B eligibility
You may qualify for the H-1B visa if you meet several key requirements set by U.S. immigration authorities.
- Hold a bachelor's degree or its foreign equivalent in a field directly related to your specialty occupation.
- Have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a role that requires a degree, like a software engineer or researcher.
- Your employer must sponsor your petition and get a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) on your behalf.
- Understand that most petitions are subject to the annual lottery, though universities and certain nonprofits are cap-exempt.
Your fast track to an H-1B visa
Lighthouse combines technology and legal expertise to prepare your H-1B petition. An expert H-1B visa lawyer oversees every detail, from the Labor Condition Application to the final USCIS submission, so you can focus on your career.
A clear path forward
Our platform helps you explore visa options. Submit your information via a simple form, and we follow up with guidance on your options. The process is digital, clear, and walks you through each requirement to build a stronger case.
Expert legal review
Your petition gets a full review from experienced H-1B attorneys who understand USCIS requirements. They spot potential problems, address weak points, and confirm your application meets all standards. You have access to legal expertise for complex situations and for the entire duration of your case.
Full process visibility
You always know where your petition stands. Our platform shows what we need from you, our current work, and what comes next. Clear timelines and status updates remove surprises and let you prepare for the road ahead with confidence.
Expertise for technical roles
Lighthouse works with professionals in technology, engineering, and research. Our team has deep experience with H-1B petitions for software engineers, data scientists, and other specialty occupation roles, and we understand the specific requirements of these advanced fields.
A smarter way to prepare
Our platform streamlines every step of your H-1B petition. You upload key information, communicate with your case team, and review documents personalized for you. Edit and sign all forms and letters inside one central, secure hub before the final submission.
Download our complete H-1B visa guide
Read our guide to learn about the entire H-1B process, from initial requirements to final approval, including:
- Step-by-step application process
- H-4 visas for dependents
- Change jobs with H-1B portability
- Timelines and associated costs
- The 2026 H-1B Fee Rule
Frequently asked questions
Each March, USCIS accepts H-1B registrations for a random lottery. The system selects 85,000 petitions—65,000 for the general cap and 20,000 for U.S. master's degree holders. If your registration is selected, your employer can file the full H-1B petition. Cap-exempt employers like universities can sponsor workers anytime without the lottery.
You generally need a bachelor's degree or its equivalent for the role. The job itself must be a "specialty occupation," which means it requires specialized knowledge. Your employer must demonstrate to USCIS that the position's duties are complex enough to demand a professional with a degree in a specific field of study.
H-1B portability allows you to switch employers. Your new employer files a new H-1B petition on your behalf. You can start the new job as soon as USCIS acknowledges receipt of this new petition. This process gives you the flexibility to accept better offers without a potential gap in your employment authorization.
The process begins with the March registration period. Lottery selections happen by March 31. Your employer then has a 90-day window, usually April 1 to June 30, to submit the full petition. If approved, your H-1B status and ability to work under it will start on October 1 of that year.
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive H-4 dependent status. They can attend school and live in the U.S. with you. In certain situations, such as when you have an approved I-140 immigrant petition, your spouse may be eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in the U.S.
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 possess a valid H-1B visa. If you are in the U.S., your employer's petition for a status change or extension is exempt.
Begin your H-1B journey with Lighthouse
Get clear guidance on your immigration options and a legal team, including an expert H-1B visa lawyer, that will manage your case from preparation through USCIS submission.