Understanding H-1B Visas in Durham, CT
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to work in Durham, CT 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 profession including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any area of work where the hiring company can prove a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement may qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended up to six years and even longer if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also known as a green card) as sponsored by their Durham, CT job and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Durham, CT
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Durham, CT) in order to qualify. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Much like H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Durham, CT can change to a green card if certain requirements are met.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Durham, CT?
H-1B visas could seem simple but in reality, require working through a complex, potentially convoluted process. H-1B visa lawyers in Durham, CT can help you navigate this system and gain a desired outcome.
Visa Cap Limitations - One of the biggest obstacles that Connecticut applicants face is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. 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 critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate information.
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. An H-1B visa lawyer in Durham, CT can help you prepare your application so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Deadlines - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. An H-1B attorney in Durham, CT is well-versed in the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams normally will hire Connecticut corporate immigration attorneys to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this highly-regulated legal process. Accuracy and timeliness are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and due dates on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Nearly every year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. A knowledgeable, skilled Durham, CT immigration attorney can help you navigate those shifts to ensure that your registration and application are filled out correctly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Durham, CT
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced Durham, CT TN visa lawyer can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Durham, CT can help review your or your potential employee’s information and qualifications 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 confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Extensions - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your TN visa attorney in Durham, CT can help ensure you remain updated with any policy changes and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Durham, CT, which means staying current with visa paperwork, logging job duties and wages, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. Your Durham visa lawyers can prepare and train relevant staff to stay compliant throughout the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Durham, CT
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa to work in Durham, CT, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. In addition, mistakes in the application may cause your application to be denied.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Durham, CT is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you understand the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines that correspond with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Durham, CT can help with your individual situation, such as bringing spouse and children and immediate family members to Connecticut with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Durham, CT?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she immigrated to the USA and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Durham, CT, and beyond, who possess international expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
We take a proactive approach, which 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.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Durham, CT. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.