In a growing city like Coral Springs, businesses are constantly looking for ways to stay competitive and innovative. Whether you run a healthcare practice, tech startup, or engineering firm, finding specialized talent can be a real challenge. That’s where H-1B sponsorship can make a difference.
Through the H-1B visa program, employers can hire highly skilled foreign national professionals for roles that require advanced knowledge and expertise. It’s a powerful way to fill critical skill gaps, drive innovation, and strengthen your team with global talent.
If you’re a Coral Springs business owner or HR professional exploring H-1B sponsorship, this guide walks you through each step of the process. You’ll learn how to navigate the requirements and bring international talent on board.
What is an H-1B Sponsorship?
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign professionals in specialty occupations that require advanced skills and higher education. Common industries that use H-1B sponsorship include technology, healthcare, and engineering — all areas that drive business growth in Coral Springs and the greater South Florida region.
To qualify, the job must typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field, and the foreign worker must meet those educational requirements. It’s a mutually beneficial program: employers gain access to specialized talent, while nonimmigrant professionals get the opportunity to contribute their skills in the U.S.
Competition for these visas is strong. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received more than 442,000 applications from unique beneficiaries for fiscal year 2025, far exceeding the annual H-1B cap of 85,000 available visas. Because of this, understanding each step of the process is essential for employers who want their petitions to stand out.
How to Sponsor an H-1B Worker
Bringing international talent to your Coral Springs business starts with thorough planning and proper documentation. The H-1B process involves several key steps, each designed to confirm that both the employer and the nonimmigrant worker meet federal government requirements.
Step 1: Determine Employer Eligibility
Before filing any paperwork, employers must confirm that both the business and the position qualify for H-1B sponsorship. This initial step is crucial because USCIS carefully reviews whether the job truly requires specialized knowledge and meets all wage and employment standards.
To be eligible to sponsor an H-1B worker, your business must:
- Have a legitimate U.S. entity capable of hiring and paying employees.
- Offer a bona fide job opportunity that qualifies as a specialty occupation.
- Pay the prevailing wage for the occupation in the Coral Springs or greater South Florida area.
A “specialty occupation” requires highly specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specific field. Examples include roles in software development, accounting, medical research, data analysis, and engineering.
The wage requirement ensures that hiring a foreign national professional does not undercut similarly employed workers in the United States. The Department of Labor (DOL) sets the prevailing wage based on regional data, considering factors like experience level, job duties, and location.
Employers should review the intended employment carefully to confirm it meets all eligibility criteria before moving forward. Consulting with a local South Florida immigration law attorney at this stage can help confirm eligibility, prepare documentation, and prevent potential issues later in the process.
Step 2: Prepare and File the Labor Condition Application (LCA)
After confirming your business and position qualify for H-1B sponsorship, the next step is filing a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor. This document verifies that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the wages or working conditions of U.S. employees. Employers must receive LCA certification before submitting the H-1B petition to USCIS.
The LCA outlines important details about the job, including:
- The job title and description
- The offered salary or wage
- The employment location (such as Coral Springs or remote within Florida)
- The anticipated length of employment
When submitting the LCA, employers must attest to several key conditions:
- The H-1B worker will be paid at least the prevailing wage for their position.
- Employment of the foreign professional will not adversely impact other employees.
- The working conditions offered are fair and consistent with U.S. labor standards.
- There is no active strike, lockout, or work stoppage in the same occupation at the company.
Electronically registered LCAs are typically processed within seven business days. Once DOL certification is approved, the employer receives a certified copy that must be included later with the H-1B petition.
Accuracy is critical. Even small mistakes, such as mismatched job location or wage data, can cause delays or rejections. Before filing, double-check all details with an experienced immigration lawyer.
Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
Strong documentation is the foundation of a successful H-1B petition. Before submitting anything to USCIS, gather the following materials:
For the employer:
- Business registration documents
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Financial statements or recent tax filings (to demonstrate the company’s ability to pay the offered wage)
- Copy of the certified LCA
For the employee:
- Resume and educational credentials (degrees, transcripts, and certifications)
- Copy of passport and any current visa status documents
- Professional licenses, if applicable
- Signed job offer letter
Having all documentation organized ensures a smoother review process and reduces the chance of a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS. Employers in Coral Springs should also verify that their business complies with Florida employment regulations and local labor laws.
Step 4: Submit the H-1B Petition to USCIS
Once the LCA is certified, the employer can file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker with USCIS. This petition formally requests approval for the foreign professional to work under H-1B status.
The H-1B petition packet should include:
- The completed Form I-129 and H Classification Supplement
- A copy of the certified LCA
- Proof of the employer-employee relationship (e.g., offer letter, job description)
- The employee’s educational and professional evidence
- All applicable filing fees
USCIS opens the H-1B registration period in March for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on October 1. Because demand consistently exceeds supply, petitions are entered into a lottery.
Only selected cases are invited to submit full documentation for adjudication. Submitting a complete, accurate petition early in the process can improve your chances of selection and approval.
Step 5: Monitor the Petition and Respond to USCIS Requests
After submission, USCIS will issue a Receipt Notice (Form I-797C) confirming that your petition has been received. Employers can use the receipt number to check case status online.
Processing times can range from two to six months, depending on workload and whether premium processing is requested. This optional service guarantees a 15-day review for an additional required fee.
If USCIS needs more information, they may issue a Request for Evidence. Employers must respond within the given deadline, typically 30 to 90 days. Working with an experienced immigration attorney during this stage helps ensure responses are thorough and timely, preventing further delays.
Step 6: Support the Employee’s Arrival and Compliance
Once USCIS approves the H-1B visa petition, the employee can apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate abroad or, if already in the country, change their status to H-1B.
After the visa is issued, the employee can begin working for your organization under the approved terms. However, the employer’s responsibilities continue beyond the initial filing.
Employers must:
- Maintain a Public Access File (PAF) containing the LCA and supporting registration requirement documents.
- Notify USCIS if there are any material changes in employment, such as a new worksite, job title, or salary adjustment.
- Continue paying the required wage rate for the duration of employment.
- Comply with all Department of Labor regulations to avoid penalties or debarment.
Helping the new employee settle into the community can also strengthen retention. Coral Springs offers a welcoming environment with diverse cultural amenities, making it easier for professionals relocating from abroad to feel at home.
Step 7: Plan for Renewals and Extensions
H-1B status is typically granted for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal for a maximum of six years. Employers should begin extension paperwork well before the initial period ends to prevent work interruptions.
If the employee’s Green Card process begins during H-1B employment, additional extensions may be available beyond the six-year limit. Many companies use the H-1B as the first step toward long-term retention through employment-based permanent resident status sponsorship.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
H-1B sponsorship opens the door for Coral Springs and South Florida businesses to bring in exceptional talent from around the world. It’s a detailed process, but with clear direction and knowledgeable support, it becomes a smooth and rewarding experience.
If you’re ready to hire skilled international professionals, the team at 360 Immigration Law Group is here to help. Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward strengthening your workforce through H-1B sponsorship.