Understanding H-1B Visas in Tampa, FL
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which authorizes foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to work for a finiteamount of time in Tampa, FL and the United States in general. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a professional specialty such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any professional field where the employer can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could be eligible. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it may be extended up to six years and potentially more if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also called a green card) through sponsorship from their Tampa, FL employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Tampa, FL: What Are They?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Tampa, FL) to qualify. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or 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.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Tampa, FL are able to change to a green card if they are qualified.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Tampa, FL Can Help You With
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, frequently vague bureaucracy. An H-1B visa lawyer in Tampa, FL can help you work through this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Florida applicants encounter is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate 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 Tampa, FL can help you with preparing your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Dates To Remember - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. An H-1B attorney in Tampa, FL is well-versed in the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly commonly look to Florida corporate immigration attorneys to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Accuracy and punctuality are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An experienced Tampa, FL immigration lawyer can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are finalized correctly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Tampa, FL Can Help
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A knowledgeable Tampa, FL TN visa attorney can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Tampa, FL can analyze your or your potential new employee's educational background and experience to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Visa Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa lawyer in Tampa, FL can help keep you updated with changing policies and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Tampa, FL, which means keeping up with visa documentation, logging job duties and wages, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, along with other requirements. Your Tampa visa lawyers can coach the necessary staff to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Tampa, FL
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Tampa, FL, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Tampa, FL is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist in managing the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork associated with them. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Tampa, FL can aid in your specific situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or close relatives to Florida with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Tampa, FL
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she immigrated to the USA and went through several immigration procedures herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Tampa, Florida, who possess international expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* Whether you’re looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA 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 Tampa, FL. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.