Employer guide · Updated June 2026
H-1B filing: complete employer guide
Whether it's a first-time H-1B for a software engineer, a change of employer, or an extension — we handle every step from onboarding and candidate intake through LCA, I-129 preparation, and USCIS filing. Dedicated immigration lawyers on every petition.
USCIS process
What happens — and what we handle for you
- 1
Job offer
Candidate accepts an offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor H-1B status.
- 2
Lottery registration (if cap-subject)
Employer registers the candidate in the annual USCIS H-1B lottery ($999 on h1bfiling.com). Selection required before filing.
- 3
LCA certification
We prepare and file the Labor Condition Application with DOL — prevailing wage, notice posting, and PAF included.
- 4
Form I-129 filing
We prepare and file Form I-129 with USCIS — petition, support letter, and evidence packet included ($2,999 on h1bfiling.com).
- 5
Receipt & portability
USCIS issues I-797C receipt. Change-of-employer candidates may start work upon receipt under AC21 portability.
- 6
Approval
USCIS adjudicates the petition. Upon approval, the beneficiary receives an I-797 approval notice.
Full-service filing
We handle every step — start to USCIS approval
From employer onboarding and candidate intake through LCA, I-129 preparation, and USCIS filing — our team and immigration lawyers manage the entire workflow.
- 1
Create employer account
We onboard your company — sign up, add your profile, and choose lottery registration or full H-1B filing. Your case is ready to start in minutes.
- 2
Start a case & invite candidate
We manage candidate intake — open a case with the correct worksite, send a secure invite, and we collect passport, degree, and resume for LCA and petition prep.
- 3
Certify LCA with DOL
We prepare and file the Labor Condition Application — prevailing wage, SOC code, worksite, notice posting, and PAF included.
- 4
Prepare Form I-129 petition
Our immigration lawyers prepare Form I-129, draft the employer support letter, and assemble the evidence packet — structured to reduce RFE risk.
- 5
Submit to USCIS & track
We file the H-1B petition with USCIS on your behalf. Track receipt notices, RFEs, and approval in your employer dashboard — no myUSCIS account required.
Who is eligible?
Specialty occupation
Role typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specific field.
Employer sponsorship
U.S. employer willing to sponsor and pay at least the DOL prevailing wage.
Valid status (transfers)
For change of employer: currently in valid H-1B status or within the 60-day grace period.
Cap vs. cap-exempt
First-time cap-subject cases require lottery selection. Extensions, amendments, and many transfers do not.
Documents needed
- ✓Passport and visa stamps
- ✓Prior I-797 approval notices (if any)
- ✓Current I-94 arrival/departure record
- ✓Recent pay stubs (change of employer: 3–6 months)
- ✓Degree certificates and transcripts
- ✓Resume / CV and job description
Timeline
Premium processing: 3–4 weeks. Regular: 2–6 months. Change-of-employer cases can often start work upon USCIS receipt.
Why h1bfiling
The H-1B filing service employers trust
- Dedicated immigration lawyer on every petition — not software-only filing
- Among the highest H-1B approval rates in the industry
- Workflows designed to reduce RFE risk before USCIS review
- Flat fees: $999 lottery · $2,999 filing
- Secure employer dashboard + candidate document portal
- LCA, prevailing wage, PAF, and I-129 steps tracked in one place
Local guides
H-1B filing by city (FY 2026 Q2)
Dedicated employer landing pages for every top H-1B market — local prevailing wage guidance, worksite LCA notes, and flat pricing on each page.
H-1B transfers
Change-of-employer guides for employers
Timelines, checklists, AC21 portability, premium processing, and flat-fee filing — all in one cluster.
Ready to file? View transfer pricing or open an employer account.
H-1B filing FAQ
How much does H-1B filing cost on h1bfiling.com?
Lottery registration is $999. Full H-1B petition filing (LCA + I-129 prep) is $2,999. USCIS government fees are separate.
What is the difference between H-1B lottery and H-1B filing?
Lottery registration ($999) enters a cap-subject candidate in the annual USCIS pool. If selected, you start a separate H-1B Filing case ($2,999) for LCA and I-129 preparation.
How long does the H-1B filing process take?
LCA certification: ~7–14 days. USCIS processing: 2–6 months regular, or 3–4 weeks with premium processing. Change-of-employer cases may start work upon USCIS receipt.
What is the most common H-1B job title?
Software Engineer is the #1 H-1B job title nationally, with over 10,000 filings in FY 2026 Q2 according to U.S. Department of Labor LCA disclosures and USCIS H-1B petition data.
Which cities have the most H-1B filings?
New York, Seattle, and Austin lead U.S. H-1B filings, followed by San Jose, San Francisco, and other major tech hubs.
Can h1bfiling.com handle change-of-employer H-1B transfers?
Yes. Candidates already in H-1B status skip the lottery. We prepare a new LCA for your worksite and a new I-129 petition. AC21 portability may apply upon USCIS receipt.
File your H-1B on h1bfiling.com
Lottery $999 · Filing $2,999 if selected. Candidates upload documents securely; we prepare LCA and petition paperwork and track every step.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently — consult qualified counsel for your specific case.