Understanding H-1B Visas in Stamford, CT
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which authorizes foreign nationals in particular job industries to work in Stamford, CT and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a highly-specialized industry such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any area of work where the employer can prove it is necessary 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 and even longer if the employee applies for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also called a green card) sponsored by their Stamford, CT employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas in Stamford, CT: What Are They?
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Stamford, CT) in order to qualify. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the 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 Stamford, CT can shift to a green card if certain requirements are met.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Stamford, CT?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, frequently vague bureaucracy. H-1B visa lawyers in Stamford, CT can help you navigate this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Connecticut applicants encounter is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, 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 Stamford, CT can assist you in preparing your visa application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration for H-1B visa application is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Stamford, CT is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the small window of opportunity.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates commonly look to Connecticut 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 attorney can assist with organizing essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Almost each and every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. A knowledgeable, skilled Stamford, CT immigration attorney can help you understand and navigate the changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out completely.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Stamford, CT
Like H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. An experienced Stamford, CT TN visa lawyer can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Review Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Stamford, CT can assess your or your potential new hire's education and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Visa Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa attorney in Stamford, CT can help keep you updated with changes in policy and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Stamford, CT employment and immigration laws, which means staying on top of visa documentation, properly document job duties and wages, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and many more obligations. Stamford visa lawyers from our team can coach the necessary staff to remain legally compliant during the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Stamford, CT?
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Stamford, CT, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. In addition, mistakes in the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Stamford, CT is experienced in the complications of each visa and can assist in managing the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork that are associated with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Stamford, CT can adjust to special circumstances, including bringing dependents and immediate family members to Connecticut with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Stamford, CT?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is intimately familiar with the United States 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 Stamford, CT, and beyond, with worldwide expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. That's one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* Whether you’re looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Stamford, CT. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.