Zepeda Law Firm represents employers and foreign professionals in Texas in H-1B visa matters, including filings, transfers, and extensions. The H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers for specialty occupations that require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Whether you are a business seeking to sponsor international talent or a professional pursuing lawful employment in the United States, working with an experienced Fort Worth H-1B visa lawyer can help you avoid costly delays, denials, and compliance issues.
Why Work With Zepeda Law Firm for an H-1B Visa Matter
The H-1B process is highly technical, deadline-driven, and closely scrutinized by immigration authorities. Small mistakes can lead to denials, RFEs, or lost opportunities during the lottery cycle.
Clients choose Zepeda Law Firm because we offer:
- Representation for both employers and foreign professionals
- Careful review of job qualifications and specialty occupation requirements
- Strategic guidance for lottery registration and petition timing
- Support with initial filings, transfers, extensions, and RFEs
- Clear communication throughout every stage of the process
Our goal is to reduce uncertainty while helping you move forward with confidence.
How Zepeda Law Firm Can Help With Your H-1B Visa
We guide both employers and foreign professionals through every phase of the H-1B process, from early planning to final approval. Our team helps assess eligibility, prepare documentation, and ensure filings meet current USCIS and Department of Labor requirements.
We regularly assist with:
- First-time H-1B petitions
- Employer sponsorship compliance
- H-1B transfers between employers
- Extensions and amendments
- Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
By handling the legal and procedural details, we help you stay focused on your business or career goals.
What Is the H-1B Visa and Who Qualifies?
The H-1B visa is a temporary, employment-based visa for workers in specialty occupations. These positions typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field related to the job.
Common industries include technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, and education.
To qualify, applicants generally need:
- A valid job offer from a U.S. employer
- A bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent experience) in a related field
- Proof that the role requires specialized knowledge
Each year, there’s a limit on the number of H-1B visas issued. If demand exceeds supply, the government runs a lottery to select which registrations may proceed to full petition filing. Timing, documentation, and accuracy matter. That’s where we can help.
How the H-1B Visa Process Works
The H-1B process begins with the employer. Before filing with USCIS, the employer must submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor confirming wage and work condition compliance.
Once the LCA is certified, the employer files Form I-129 with USCIS. If the petition is selected in the lottery and approved, next steps depend on the worker’s location:
- Workers already in the U.S. may change status without leaving
- Workers abroad apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate
The process involves multiple steps, and both employers and workers need to follow specific rules. We help ensure every document is filed correctly and on time.
How to Find an Employer to Sponsor an H-1B Visa
Finding a sponsoring employer is often one of the biggest challenges for foreign professionals. While we do not place workers with employers, we can help you understand sponsorship expectations and risks.
Helpful strategies include:
- Targeting industries with a history of H-1B hiring, such as tech, healthcare, and finance
- Using job boards that identify H-1B-friendly employers
- Reviewing public H-1B sponsor databases
- Networking within your professional field
- Being clear with potential employers about your need for visa sponsorship
Once a job offer is secured, we can assist with the legal process.
Can You Change Jobs on an H-1B Visa?
H-1B workers may change jobs, but the new employer must file a new petition with USCIS. This is commonly called an H-1B transfer.
Key points include:
- You may begin work once USCIS receives the new petition, as long as you are maintaining valid H-1B status
- A new lottery is usually not required
- You can typically remain in the U.S. during processing
We regularly help H-1B workers make career moves while maintaining valid status. If you’re considering changing jobs, talk to us first so we can help you avoid delays or visa issues.
Contact a Fort Worth H-1B Visa Lawyer
If you are considering an H-1B visa or have questions about sponsorship, transfers, or extensions, Zepeda Law Firm is ready to help. Contact us today to discuss your situation and take the next step toward lawful employment in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions About H-1B Visas
What types of jobs qualify as specialty occupations under the H-1B visa?
Specialty occupations are roles that normally require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. Examples include software developers, engineers, financial analysts, healthcare professionals, architects, and certain educators. The key factor is whether the job’s duties require specialized knowledge tied to formal education.
When does the H-1B visa lottery open each year, and how can I improve my chances?
The H-1B registration period typically opens in March each year. Employers must register employees electronically before filing full petitions. While selection is random, strong documentation, accurate job classification, and early preparation can help avoid disqualification if selected.
Can I extend my H-1B status beyond six years?
In some cases, yes. Extensions beyond six years may be available if an employment-based green card process has started and certain milestones have been met, such as an approved PERM or I-140 petition.