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
- Flat fee of $2,999 includes attorney work if USCIS issues an RFE
- Lottery $999 · filing $2,999 — government fees separate
- Live employer dashboard: documents, who’s next, LCA and petition milestones
- Structured checks before filing — specialty occupation, wage, worksite, counsel review
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.
Related resources
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 — use the cost calculator for I-129, ACWIA, fraud, asylum, and premium totals by employer size.
Is RFE response included in the flat fee?
Yes. If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence on a filing case, attorney work to prepare and submit the response is included in the $2,999 flat fee. There is no separate USCIS fee for an RFE reply. Government fees on the original petition remain 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. Selection alone is not approval.
How long does the H-1B filing process take?
LCA certification: ~7–14 days. USCIS processing: 2–6 months regular, or 15 business days to action with premium processing ($2,965). An RFE pauses premium and extends the calendar. Change-of-employer cases may start work upon USCIS receipt under AC21.
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.
Can HR see case status without emailing counsel?
Yes. The employer dashboard shows document intake, who’s next, LCA and petition milestones, and USCIS updates — so HR is not chasing status threads.
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.