Understanding H-1B Visas in Columbus, AR
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that authorizes foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to work in Columbus, AR and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a specialized professional field like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any area of work where the hiring company can prove it is required to have a bachelor's degree might qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years or longer if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also called a green card) as sponsored by their Columbus, AR job and eventually apply for citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Columbus, AR?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. 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. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Columbus, AR) in order to qualify. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Like H-1B visa applicants, Columbus, AR TN visa holders are eligible to change to a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Columbus, AR?
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in reality, require working through a complex, sometimes vague system. H-1B visa lawyers in Columbus, AR can help you navigate this system and gain a desired outcome.
Cap Limitations - The main challenge Arkansas applicants must overcome is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, and then 20,000 additional visas in the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right information.
For the 2023 fiscal year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received 758,994 eligible H-1B registrations and selected 188,400 to apply for only 65,000 visas. An H-1B visa attorney in Columbus, AR can assist you in preparing your visa application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Turnaround Times - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration 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. H-1B lawyers in Columbus, AR have expertise in this application process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the small window of opportunity.
Sponsorship by Employers - Employers have a lot to manage, so they normally will hire Arkansas 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. Precision and timeliness are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and due dates on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. A knowledgeable, skilled Columbus, AR immigration attorney can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are finalized properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Columbus, AR Can Do
Like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced Columbus, AR TN visa lawyer can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Columbus, AR can analyze your or your potential new employee's educational background and experience to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Visa Extension - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your Columbus, AR TN visa attorney can help you stay up to date with changes in policy and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Legal Compliance - The duty for Columbus, AR immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, logging job duties and wages, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional obligations. Your Columbus visa attorneys can coach the necessary staff to maintain compliance throughout the petition and reduce the chance of government audits.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Columbus, AR
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Columbus, AR, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may lead to your petition being denied.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Columbus, AR is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist in managing the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation correlated with each. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Columbus, AR can adjust to special circumstances, especially if you need to bring dependents or close relatives to Arkansas with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Columbus, AR?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Columbus, AR, and throughout, with wide-reaching expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our proactive perspective means we have over 20,000 approved cases of 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 hoping to hire global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all H-1B and TN visas in Columbus, AR. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.