Understanding H-1B Visas in Homewood, AL
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign nationals in particular job industries to work for a finiteamount of time in Homewood, AL and the United States in general. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a specialized profession including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any line of work where the hiring company can prove it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree could potentially fit. H-1B visas are good for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years and even longer if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also called a green card) sponsored by their Homewood, AL employer and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
Homewood, AL TN Visas Explained
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Homewood, AL. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and need not obtain a visa stamp at a consulate ahead of time, but citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Homewood, AL can transition to a green card if eligible.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Homewood, AL?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but actually require you to go through a complex, potentially convoluted process. H-1B visa lawyers in Homewood, AL can help you navigate this system and achieve a great result.
Visa Cap Limitations - One of the biggest obstacles that Alabama applicants face is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, 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 lawyer in Homewood, AL can help you prepare your application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Homewood, AL is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the fast process.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they commonly look to Alabama corporate immigration attorneys to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Timeliness and accuracy are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and track time limits on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Homewood, AL can help you understand those policy changes to make sure your registration and application are prepared properly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Homewood, AL
Like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced Homewood, AL TN visa lawyer can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Review Eligibility - Homewood, AL TN visa attorneys can help review your or your potential employee’s education and experience to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. 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.
Renewal - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Homewood, AL TN visa lawyer can help keep you updated with changes in policy and the information needed to renew your visa. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Homewood, AL, which means keeping up with visa documentation, properly document job duties and wages, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, along with other requirements. Homewood visa lawyers from our team can train and prepare your staff members to maintain compliance throughout the petition and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Homewood, AL
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for a TN or H-1B visa to work in Homewood, AL, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Homewood, AL is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you work through the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that are associated with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Homewood, AL can help with your individual situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or close relatives to Alabama with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Homewood, AL?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she migrated to the United States and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Homewood, Alabama, who possess international expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Homewood, AL. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.