H-1B Visas for Temporary Work in Fort Smith, AR
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in specialized areas of employment to work in Fort Smith, 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 professional specialty such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any profession where the employer can prove it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree could be eligible. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it have the option to be extended up to six years or more if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also called a green card) as sponsored by their Fort Smith, AR job and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Fort Smith, AR?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Fort Smith, AR) in order to qualify. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Like H-1B visa applicants, those with a TN visa in Fort Smith, AR can choose to transition to a green card if eligible.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Fort Smith, AR Can Help You Overcome
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa attorney in Fort Smith, AR can assist you with this system and successfully petition your visa.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the most difficult challenges that Arkansas applicants must meet is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas per 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 Fort Smith, AR can assist you in preparing your visa application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Deadlines - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. An H-1B attorney in Fort Smith, AR is well-versed in the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Sponsorship by Employers - Employers who want to file correctly normally will hire Arkansas corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Accuracy and timeliness are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Almost each and every year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. A knowledgeable, skilled Fort Smith, AR immigration attorney can help you understand those policy changes so your registration and application are filed on time and properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Fort Smith, AR Can Do
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A TN visa lawyer in Fort Smith, AR with experience can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Fort Smith, AR can help review your or your potential employee’s information and qualifications to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Visa Renewal - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Fort Smith, AR TN visa attorney can help ensure you remain updated with changing policies and the guidance you need for visa renewal. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Compliance - The duty for Fort Smith, AR immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying current with visa paperwork, documenting wages and job duties, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. One of our Fort Smith visa lawyers can coach the necessary staff to maintain compliance throughout the petition and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Fort Smith, AR
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Fort Smith, AR, the process can be complicated and taxing. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may cause your application to be denied.
Fort Smith, AR H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can assist you in navigating the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines that correspond with each one. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Fort Smith, AR can aid in your specific situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or members of your family to Arkansas with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Fort Smith, AR?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Fort Smith, AR, and throughout, with worldwide expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. That gives us 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 ready to hire the best global talent, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Fort Smith, AR. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.