Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services from licensed, independent H-1B immigration lawyers to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
The H-1B visa allows professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher to work in U.S. specialty occupations. This employer-sponsored status provides work authorization for three years, extendable to six. Professionals in Tampa use this pathway for roles in technology, finance, and healthcare at top American companies.
A key advantage is dual intent, which lets you pursue a green card without effect on your H-1B status. This feature helps you build a long-term career in the United States. While the new H-1B fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the visa remains a valuable route for qualified professionals.
You may be eligible for an H-1B visa if you meet the following core requirements:
Lighthouse combines legal expertise with our platform to prepare your H-1B petition in weeks. An H-1B immigration lawyer manages the process from evaluation to USCIS submission, so you can focus on your career.
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. It walks you through each requirement and shows how to make your case stronger. Submit your information through our form, and we will follow up with guidance on potential paths forward.
Your petition gets a thorough review from experienced H-1B attorneys who know USCIS requirements. They help navigate complex issues, strengthen your case to minimize risks like RFEs or denials, and provide guidance from start to finish.
You always know your petition's status. Our platform details your petition status, outstanding requirements, and upcoming deadlines. We provide clear timelines and explain what happens next at each stage. This transparency removes uncertainty and helps you plan with confidence.
We specialize in H-1B petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and advanced research. Our team understands the distinct requirements for software engineers, data scientists, and similar specialty occupations, and prepares petitions that highlight your specific qualifications.
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Read our resource to understand the full process from eligibility to approval, including these key topics:
USCIS accepts H-1B registrations each March for a limited number of spots: 65,000 for general petitions and an additional 20,000 for those with a U.S. master's degree or higher. A random lottery selects who can file. Some employers, like universities or nonprofit research groups, are "cap-exempt" and can sponsor H-1B professionals without the lottery.
You generally need a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a specific field. The job itself must be a "specialty occupation," which means it requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge. Your degree must be a standard requirement for the role you plan to take in Tampa, not just a general preference.
You can change employers through a process called H-1B portability. Your new employer must file a new H-1B petition for you. Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives the petition and issues a receipt notice, you can start your new job. You do not need to wait for the final approval.
The process varies. Lottery registration is in March, with results by the end of the month. Petition filing happens from April to June. If approved without delays, you can typically start work on October 1, the start of the fiscal year. Premium processing can speed up the petition review, but the start date remains the same.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for H-4 visas to accompany you. While children on H-4 status cannot work, your spouse may be eligible for work authorization. This is generally possible if you have an approved I-140 immigrant petition, which is a key step toward a green card.
A recent presidential proclamation introduced a $100,000 fee for some new H-1B petitions. This fee only applies to petitions for professionals who are outside the United States and do not already hold an H-1B visa. If you are in the U.S., your employer does not pay this fee for a status change or extension.
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Get clear guidance on your options and let our legal team, including an expert H-1B immigration lawyer, manage your case from preparation through USCIS submission.
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