Advance your career with the H-1B visa
The H-1B visa allows professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher to work in specialty occupations for U.S. employers. This employer-sponsored status grants work authorization for three years, extendable to six. It is a popular route for professionals in Tacoma to accept positions in technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance.
A key advantage is dual intent, so you can pursue a green card while you maintain H-1B status. This keeps long-term options open for your career. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the pathway remains a viable choice for skilled professionals.
Check your H-1B eligibility
You may be eligible for an H-1B visa if you meet the following core requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent in a field that is directly related to your proposed job.
- Have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation, such as a software developer, engineer, or researcher.
- Work for an employer who will sponsor your petition and get an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) for your role.
- Be selected in the annual H-1B lottery, unless your employer is cap-exempt, like a university or nonprofit research organization.
How we accelerate your H-1B petition
Lighthouse combines legal expertise with our platform to prepare your H-1B petition in weeks. An H-1B visa lawyer manages the process, from the Labor Condition Application to USCIS submission, so you can focus on your work.
A clear path forward
Our platform helps you discover your visa options. It guides you through the requirements and explains how to create a stronger case. Submit your information with a simple form, and we will provide guidance on potential paths forward.
Expert attorney review
Experienced H-1B attorneys review your petition to ensure it meets strict USCIS standards. We help you navigate complex situations and strengthen your case to minimize the risk of RFEs or delays. You get direct access to legal expertise for the duration of your application.
Total process transparency
You always know your petition's status. The Lighthouse platform shows your progress, what we need from you, and what happens next. Clear timelines and regular updates remove uncertainty so you can plan with confidence.
Designed for technical roles
We specialize in H-1B petitions for professionals in advanced fields like technology, engineering, and research. Our team understands the unique requirements of software engineers, data scientists, and other specialty occupations to prepare a precise and effective case.
A simpler way to prepare
Use the Lighthouse platform to manage your entire H-1B petition. Upload critical information to our secure system, communicate with your case team, and review personalized documents. Edit and sign everything in one central place, and check your final application before it is submitted.
Download our complete H-1B visa guide
Use this resource to understand the entire H-1B process, from initial requirements to final case approval, including:
- Step-by-step application process
- H-4 visas for dependents
- H-1B portability rules
- Complete timelines and costs
- The 2026 H-1B fee rule
Frequently asked questions
Each year, USCIS uses a lottery to select 85,000 H-1B petitions nationwide due to high demand. Registrations occur in March. If selected, your employer can file a petition. However, some Tacoma employers, like universities or specific nonprofits, are exempt from this cap and can file petitions for professionals at any time.
You generally need a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a specialized field. The job must be a "specialty occupation," which means it requires the application of that specific knowledge. Your degree and the job duties must have a direct connection for you to qualify for the visa.
The process begins with registration in early March, with lottery results by the month's end. Employers file petitions for selected candidates from April 1. After approval, your H-1B status and ability to work can officially begin on October 1, the start of the government's fiscal year.
H-1B status offers portability. Your new employer files a new H-1B petition on your behalf. You can start the new job as soon as USCIS confirms receipt of the new petition. You do not need to wait for the final approval notice to make the switch to a new company.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get H-4 dependent visas to accompany you. Under certain conditions, your spouse may also be eligible to apply for work authorization. This usually happens after you reach a specific stage in the green card process, which allows for this benefit.
A recent 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 an H-1B visa. If you are in the U.S. for a status change or extension, you are exempt. More details are in this presidential proclamation summary.
Begin your H-1B journey with Lighthouse
With Lighthouse, you get clarity on your immigration options and an expert H-1B visa lawyer who will manage your case from preparation through USCIS submission.