Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services from licensed, independent H-1B visa attorneys to help you navigate the application with clarity and confidence.
The H-1B visa allows professionals with specialized knowledge to work for U.S. companies. This employer-sponsored status provides work authorization for three years, with a possible extension to six. It serves professionals in fields like technology, finance, and healthcare who hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
A key benefit is dual intent, which lets you pursue permanent residence while you work. This feature helps you build a career with top U.S. employers and keep long-term immigration options open. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the pathway remains a strong option for skilled professionals.
You may qualify for the H-1B visa if you:
Lighthouse combines technology with the expertise of an H-1B visa attorney to prepare your petition. We manage every detail, from the Labor Condition Application to the final USCIS submission, so you can focus on your career.
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. Submit a simple form, and we will follow up with guidance on potential paths. The digital process walks you through each requirement and shows you how to build a stronger case.
Your petition gets a thorough review from experienced H-1B attorneys who know USCIS standards. We find and fix potential issues to reduce the chance of delays or RFEs. You have access to legal guidance for complex cases, with expert support throughout the entire process.
You always know your petition's status. The Lighthouse platform displays what we need from you, our current work, and the next steps. Clear timelines, petition status, and deadlines reduce uncertainty so you can plan with confidence.
We specialize in H-1B petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and research. Our team understands the specific needs of software engineers, data scientists, and researchers, plus other roles that demand a high degree of specialized knowledge.
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Read our guide to understand the entire H-1B process, from eligibility requirements to final approval:
Each March, USCIS accepts registrations for a random lottery to select 85,000 petitions. If your registration gets selected, your employer can file your petition. However, cap-exempt employers like universities can sponsor H-1B workers at any time. This process bypasses the lottery system entirely and creates more opportunities for professionals in the South Bend area.
To qualify, you typically need a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a specialized field. The job itself must also require that specific degree, which defines it as a "specialty occupation." In some cases, relevant professional work experience can substitute for the formal education requirement, but the link must be direct.
A recent presidential proclamation introduced a $100,000 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 an H-1B visa. You can read the full proclamation on H-1B fees. If you are in the U.S., you are exempt.
The process begins with the lottery registration in early March. If selected, your employer can file the full petition after April 1. With standard review, you can expect to start work on October 1. While premium service expedites the petition review, the October 1 start date for new cap-subject petitions is fixed.
The H-1B portability rule lets you change jobs. Your new employer must file a new H-1B petition for you. As soon as USCIS confirms receipt of that petition, you can begin work at the new company. You do not need to wait for the final approval, which offers significant career flexibility.
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get H-4 visas to live with you in the U.S. They are permitted to study, but work is restricted. An H-4 spouse can apply for an Employment Authorization Document only after you reach a certain stage in the green card process, such as an approved I-140 petition.
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Lighthouse gives you clear direction on your immigration options. An expert H-1B visa attorney will then carry your case through USCIS submission.
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