Brierfield, AL H-1B Visas Explained
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa permits foreign citizens in certain specialized careers to work in Brierfield, AL and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a highly-specialized industry like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any line of work where employers can show a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could be eligible. H-1B visas are initially three years long but have the option to be extended up to six years and potentially more if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Brierfield, AL employer and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Brierfield, AL?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Brierfield, AL). For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Brierfield, AL are able to transition to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Brierfield, AL Can Help You With
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in reality, require working through a complex, often convoluted system. An H-1B visa lawyer in Brierfield, AL can help you work through this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Alabama applicants encounter is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate information.
In 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported receiving 758,994 eligible registrations and selected 188,400 to apply for the 65,000 available visas. An H-1B visa attorney in Brierfield, AL can assist you in preparing your visa application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Deadlines - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Brierfield, AL, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates often turn to Alabama corporate immigration lawyers to help put together the entire visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Accuracy and punctuality are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and track time limits on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Nearly every year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Brierfield, AL can help you navigate those shifts to ensure that your registration and application are filled out properly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Brierfield, AL Can Help
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced Brierfield, AL TN visa lawyer can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Brierfield, AL can assess your or your potential new hire's education and experience to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Extensions - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Brierfield, AL TN visa lawyer can help you stay up to date with changes in policy and the information needed to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Legal Compliance - The duty for Brierfield, AL immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying on top of visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. Brierfield visa lawyers from our team can coach the necessary staff to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Brierfield, AL
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa to work in Brierfield, AL, the process can be complicated and taxing. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
Brierfield, AL H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist in managing the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines correlated with each. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Brierfield, AL can help with your individual situation, such as bringing spouse and children and immediate family members to Alabama with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Brierfield, AL?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who understands the immigration procedures deeply – she relocated to the U.S. and went through various immigration steps personally! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Brierfield, AL, and throughout, with worldwide expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
We take a proactive approach, which means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. That's one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* Whether you're attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with your TN and H-1B visa needs in Brierfield, AL. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.