Southport, FL H-1B Visas Explained
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to work in Southport, FL 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 such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any profession where the hiring company can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could be eligible. H-1B visas are initially three years long but may be extended up to six years or more if the employee applies for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also called a green card) via sponsorship through their Southport, FL job and ultimately apply for citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Southport, FL?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Southport, FL) in order to qualify. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport 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.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, Southport, FL TN visa holders are eligible to transition to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Southport, FL?
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, often convoluted system. H-1B visa lawyers in Southport, FL can help you navigate this system and achieve a great result.
Cap Limitations - One of the most difficult challenges that Florida applicants must meet is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, and then 20,000 additional visas in the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
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 attorney in Southport, FL can assist you in preparing your visa application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Dates To Remember - The registration window 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 Southport, FL is well-versed in the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the fast process.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates will frequently turn to Florida corporate immigration lawyers to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Timeliness and accuracy are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and due dates on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Almost each and every year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Southport, FL can help you navigate those shifts so your registration and application are filed on time and correctly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Southport, FL Can Help You
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A knowledgeable Southport, FL TN visa attorney can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - TN visa lawyers in Southport, FL can help review your or your potential employee’s educational background and experience 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 make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Renewal - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your TN visa attorney in Southport, FL can help you stay up to date with potential policy changes and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance Requirements - The duty for Southport, FL immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying on top of visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, along with other requirements. Southport visa lawyers from our team can prepare and train relevant staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the chance of government audits.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Southport, FL
No matter if you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Southport, FL, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may cause your application to be denied.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Southport, FL is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can assist in managing the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries that correspond with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Southport, FL can adjust to special circumstances, such as bringing spouse and children or members of your family to Florida with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Southport, FL
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she moved to the United States and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Southport, FL, and beyond, with worldwide expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
We take a proactive approach, which has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. 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 seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all H-1B and TN visas in Southport, FL. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.