Understanding H-1B Visas in Fort Myers, FL
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign nationals in particular job industries to temporarily work and live in Fort Myers and the entire United States. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a specialized profession such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any professional field where that the employer can demonstrate that a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement might qualify. H-1B visas are initially three years long but may 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 immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also called a green card) via sponsorship through their Fort Myers, FL job and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Fort Myers, FL
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Fort Myers, FL) 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 go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Similar to H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Fort Myers, FL can shift to a green card if eligible.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Fort Myers, FL Can Help You Overcome
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, sometimes vague system. Fort Myers, FL H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and achieve a great result.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the most difficult challenges that Florida applicants must meet is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right 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 Fort Myers, FL can help you with preparing your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa 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. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Fort Myers, FL, they are familiar with this process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates normally will hire Florida corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Timeliness and accuracy are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and track time limits on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Just about each year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Fort Myers, FL can help you navigate those shifts to make sure your registration and application are finalized properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Fort Myers, FL Can Do
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Fort Myers, FL with experience can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - A TN visa lawyer in Fort Myers, FL 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 time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Extensions - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your TN visa lawyer in Fort Myers, FL can help you stay up to date with changing policies and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Fort Myers, FL which means keeping up with visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Your Fort Myers visa lawyers can ensure your team is trained and prepared to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Fort Myers, FL
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa to work in Fort Myers, FL, the process can be complicated and taxing. In addition, mistakes in the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Fort Myers, FL is experienced in the complications of each visa and can assist you in navigating the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork associated with them. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Fort Myers, FL can assist with your unique situation, including bringing dependents or other immediate relatives with you to Florida.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Fort Myers, FL?
Karen Weinstock started 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 Fort Myers, FL, and beyond, with wide-reaching expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. We also have 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 hoping to hire global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Fort Myers, FL. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.