H-1B Visas in Little Rock, AR: What Are They?
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in particular job industries to work in Little Rock, AR 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 professional specialty including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any profession where the hiring company can prove a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement could potentially fit. H-1B visas are good for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years and potentially more if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also known as a green card) as sponsored by their Little Rock, AR job and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Little Rock, AR?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Little Rock, AR. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing 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.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, TN visa holders in Little Rock, AR can shift to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Little Rock, AR?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, sometimes vague system. H-1B visa lawyers in Little Rock, AR can help you navigate this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The main challenge Arkansas applicants must overcome is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, your paperwork must be without errors and submitted correctly.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported receiving 758,994 eligible registrations in 2023, and selected 188,400 to apply for just 65,000 available H-1B visas. Little Rock, AR H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration for H-1B visa application is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. H-1B lawyers in Little Rock, AR have expertise in this application process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the fast process.
Sponsorship by Employers - Employers have a lot to manage, so they commonly look to 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. Accuracy and punctuality are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and track time limits on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Just about each year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Little Rock, AR can help you navigate those shifts to make sure your registration and application are finalized accurately.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Little Rock, AR Can Help
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced Little Rock, AR TN visa lawyer can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - Little Rock, AR TN visa attorneys can help review your or your potential employee’s information and qualifications to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Visa Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your Little Rock, AR TN visa lawyer can help ensure you remain updated 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 ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Compliance - The duty for Little Rock, AR immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. Little Rock visa lawyers from our team can ensure your team is trained and prepared to remain legally compliant during the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Little Rock, AR
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Little Rock, AR, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Little Rock, AR is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist you in navigating the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation correlated with each. Furthermore, Little Rock, AR immigration lawyers can help with your individual situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or close relatives to Arkansas with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Little Rock, AR
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who intimately understands the immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and went through several immigration procedures herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Little Rock, Arkansas, with worldwide expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. That gives us one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States 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 Little Rock, AR. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.