Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services from licensed, independent H-1B attorneys, helping you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
The H-1B visa allows professionals with a degree to work in specialty occupations for U.S. employers. This employer-sponsored status provides work authorization for three years, extendable to six. It opens doors for experts in fields like technology, finance, and healthcare to work legally in places like Westchester County.
A key benefit is dual intent, which lets you pursue a green card while you hold H-1B status. This helps you build a career with U.S. employers. 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 be eligible for an H-1B visa if you meet several key requirements:
Lighthouse combines legal expertise with our platform to prepare your H-1B petition. An H-1B visa lawyer handles every detail, from the Labor Condition Application to USCIS submission, so you can focus on your work.
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. It guides you through all the requirements and shows you how to build a stronger case. Submit your information through a simple form, and we will follow up with potential next steps.
Your petition gets a full review from our experienced H-1B attorneys. They ensure your application meets all USCIS standards to reduce the risk of delays or RFEs. You get expert guidance on complex matters and have access to legal support throughout the entire process.
You always know the status of your petition. Our platform shows your petition status, any open requirements, and all future deadlines. This clarity gives you a complete view of the timeline and helps you plan with confidence.
Lighthouse works with engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals. Our team has deep knowledge of the roles, qualifications, and evidence required for specialty occupations in fields like software development, data science, and advanced research.
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Read our guide for a full breakdown of the H-1B process, from eligibility to final approval:
Each March, USCIS accepts H-1B registrations for its annual cap. A random lottery selects 85,000 petitions—65,000 for general applicants and 20,000 for those with U.S. master's degrees. If selected, your employer can file your petition. Some employers, like universities or nonprofit research groups, are cap-exempt and can sponsor H-1B workers anytime.
To qualify, you must possess a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, or hold a license in a specialty occupation field if one is required. The job itself must demand such a degree as a minimum for entry. Your degree must relate to the specialty role you plan to fill for your Westchester employer.
Your employer must file the H-1B petition on your behalf and prove the job is a specialty occupation. The employer pays all required government file fees and associated legal costs. You, the employee, cannot pay for these mandatory expenses. This ensures the employer has a genuine commitment to the sponsorship process and follows labor rules.
You can change jobs through a feature called H-1B portability. Your new employer files a new H-1B petition for you. Once USCIS accepts the case and issues a receipt notice, you can start work at the new company. You do not need to wait for the final approval, which gives you flexibility to pursue new opportunities.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get H-4 visas to accompany you. They can attend school in the U.S. In some cases, your spouse may be eligible for work authorization. This is generally possible if you have an approved I-140 immigrant petition, which is a step toward a green card.
A recent presidential proclamation introduced a $100,000 fee for some new H-1B petitions. This fee applies only 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. and your employer files for a status change or extension, you are exempt.
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With Lighthouse, you get clear guidance on your options and an expert H-1B visa lawyer to manage your case from preparation through USCIS submission.
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