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The primary temporary work visa for skilled professionals in specialty occupations.
What Is the H-1B Visa?
The Standard Employment Visa for Skilled Workers.
The H-1B is the primary U.S. employment visa for skilled workers in professional roles — technology, finance, medicine, engineering, and more. This visa requires sponsorship, a Labor Condition Application, and proof that the role requires at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. Our immigration law firm helps workers and employers through every step of the visa process.
Due to high demand, USCIS conducts an annual random selection lottery for the 85,000 available visas. Our immigration lawyers help families understand how this visa process works and ensure that employers meet all compliance and prevailing wage requirements before filing.
3+3 Yrs
Initial Duration
85,000
Annual Cap
EB-2 / EB-3
Green Card Path
Key Benefits
Why People Choose H-1B Visa
01
Employer-Sponsored Work Auth
Work legally for a sponsoring U.S. employer in your specialty occupation.
02
Cap-Exempt Options
Universities, nonprofits, and government research orgs are cap-exempt — no lottery, file year-round.
03
Green Card Pipeline
H-1B is the most common starting point for EB-2 and EB-3 Green Cards through employer sponsorship.
04
H-4 EAD for Spouse
H-4 spouses with an approved I-140 can apply for unrestricted work authorization.
05
Extensions Beyond 6 Years
H-1B can extend beyond the 6-year cap if an I-140 is approved and a visa number is unavailable.
For You If
This is the right fit
- You have a U.S. employer willing to sponsor
- The role is a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor’s degree
- Employer can offer prevailing wages for the position
- You’re currently in valid U.S. status (for change of status)
- You want a clear path toward a Green Card
Not the Right Fit If
This is not for you
- You don’t have an employer sponsor
- The role doesn’t require a specialty degree
- You’re relying on the lottery as your only immigration strategy
- You want a self-sponsored or employer-independent pathway
Requirements
What’s Required
01
Specialty Occupation
The role must require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field related to the job duties. Technology, engineering, finance, medicine, and architecture are the most common categories.
02
Employer Sponsorship & LCA
A U.S. employer must file the petition, obtain a certified Labor Condition Application from the DOL, and pay at least the prevailing wage.
03
Annual Lottery Registration
Due to high demand, USCIS conducts an annual random selection lottery for the 85,000 available visas. Registrations are typically submitted in March.
04
Beneficiary Qualifications
The beneficiary must hold a qualifying bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the field directly related to the specialty occupation.
Application Process
The H-1B Visa Journey, Step by Step
Feb–Mar
Eligibility & Selection Strategy
We advise on specialty occupation requirements and prevailing wage positioning before the annual registration period.
Mar
Lottery Registration
We file the electronic H-1B registration during the annual window.
Apr–May
LCA & Petition Preparation
For selected registrations, we prepare the LCA and draft the full H-1B petition.
Apr–Jun
Filing & Status Management
We file with USCIS (standard or premium) and manage change of status or consular processing.
Ongoing
Green Card Planning
We develop a PERM / I-140 strategy in parallel, and always maintain a contingency plan.
Our Services
What AmLaw Does on a H-1B Visa Case
01
Lottery Registration Strategy
Advise employers on specialty occupation requirements and prevailing wage positioning for the annual visa lottery.
02
Labor Condition Application
Prepare and file the LCA with the Department of Labor as part of the visa application process, including public access file preparation.
03
H-1B Visa Application Drafting & Filing
Draft and file the complete I-129 visa application documenting the professional employment role and the worker’s qualifications.
04
RFE Response Services
If a Request for Evidence is issued during the visa application process, we prepare a comprehensive, documented response.
05
Immigration Contingency Planning
Develop O-1A, L-1, TN, or EB-2 NIW visa alternatives so lottery non-selection never means the end of the road for workers and families.
06
Green Card Immigration Process
Labor certification and I-140 preparation for H-1B workers pursuing permanent residency green cards.
Why Choose AmLaw
This Practice Was Built Differently.
Selective, Not Volume-Based
Fewer cases — not more. Every client receives direct attorney oversight. You work with the person who knows your case.
Strategy Before Paperwork
We build your immigration strategy first, then structure documentation around it. The form is the last step, not the first.
Long-Term Outcome Focus
We plan the full lifecycle of your case from day one and remain available after approval.
Built for Investors & Talent
Designed around entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and exceptional professionals. We understand the financial dimensions others miss.
Direct Attorney Access
No junior associates handling your case unsupervised. Senior attorneys review and sign off on all filings.
Multilingual Team
English and Russian — so complex legal concepts are communicated clearly, not lost in translation.
Testimonials
Trusted by Families Worldwide
Incredible team. From the moment we started working together, it was clear that AmLaw Group operates at a completely different level than general immigration firms.
AmLaw consistently went above and beyond. They anticipated issues before they arose and kept us fully informed throughout the entire process. First-submission approval.
Charles and his team structured our case from scratch. Exceptional firm — detailed, strategic, and genuinely invested in our outcome.
FAQ
Common Questions
How does H-1B visa selection work?
Due to high demand, USCIS conducts an annual random selection lottery for the 85,000 available visas. Employers must submit electronic registrations during a specific window, typically in March.
Can I work while my H-1B visa application is being processed?
If you are in valid immigration status and your visa application is filed before your current authorization expires, you may continue working through cap-gap provisions. Our immigration law firm advises on timing to prevent gaps.
How long can I stay on H-1B visa status?
The initial H-1B visa is approved for 3 years and can be extended for another 3 years, for a total of 6 years. Extensions beyond 6 years are possible with an approved I-140 green card application. Our immigration services help workers plan their long-term immigration journey, including for their family members.
What employers are exempt from the H-1B visa cap?
Institutions of higher education, nonprofit entities affiliated with such institutions, nonprofit research organizations, and governmental research organizations are exempt from the annual visa cap.
How does the H-1B visa lead to a Green Card?
Most H-1B visa holders pursue green cards through EB-2 or EB-3 immigration categories, which require labor certification and sponsorship. An approved I-140 immigration application allows H-1B visa extensions beyond the 6-year cap. Our immigration lawyers help workers and their families understand this process.
Contact Us
Book a Strategy Session
Every case starts with a complimentary, frank conversation about your goals, your timeline, and your situation. Confidential, focused, and no obligation.
Office
1920 E Hallandale Beach Blvd, Suite 709 · Hallandale Beach, FL
Attorney advertising. Charles Raether, Esq. is responsible for the content of this page. Principal office: 1920 E Hallandale Beach Blvd, Suite 709, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.