H-1B Visas in Saint Augustine, FL: What Are They?
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized areas of employment to work for a finiteamount of time in Saint Augustine, FL and the United States in general. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a highly-specialized industry such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any area of work where employers can show a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement may qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but can be extended to a six-year maximum and even longer if the applicant decides 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 (a U.S. green card) via sponsorship through their Saint Augustine, FL job and eventually apply for citizenship.
Saint Augustine, FL TN Visas Explained
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Saint Augustine, FL. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport 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 valid for three years initially but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Much like H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Saint Augustine, FL are able to transition to a green card if eligible.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Saint Augustine, FL Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, sometimes vague system. Saint Augustine, FL H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and gain a desired outcome.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the most difficult challenges that Florida applicants must meet 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. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, 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 lawyer in Saint Augustine, FL can help you with preparing your petition to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Dates To Remember - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. An H-1B attorney in Saint Augustine, FL is well-versed in the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the fast process.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams often turn to Florida corporate immigration lawyers to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Accuracy and punctuality are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and track time limits on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Just about each year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Saint Augustine, FL can help you navigate those shifts to make sure your registration and application are finalized correctly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Saint Augustine, FL Can Do
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. A TN visa lawyer in Saint Augustine, FL with experience can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Saint Augustine, FL can assess your or your potential new hire's education and experience to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Visa Extension - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa attorney in Saint Augustine, FL can help you remain current with any policy changes and the information needed to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Saint Augustine, FL, which means keeping up with visa documentation, properly document job duties and wages, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and many more obligations. One of our Saint Augustine visa lawyers can coach the necessary staff to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Saint Augustine, FL
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Saint Augustine, FL, the process can be complicated and taxing. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may lead to your petition being denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Saint Augustine, FL is experienced in the complications of each visa and can assist you in navigating the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines that are associated with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Saint Augustine, FL can adjust to special circumstances, especially if you need to bring dependents and immediate family members to Florida with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Saint Augustine, FL?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she relocated to the U.S. and went through several immigration procedures herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Saint Augustine, Florida and beyond, who have global expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our forward-thinking attitude means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. We also have 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, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Saint Augustine, FL. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.