Understanding H-1B Visas in Bloomington, IL
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in specialized areas of employment to temporarily work in Bloomington, IL and the rest of the United States. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialized profession such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any profession where the hiring company can prove it is required to have a bachelor's degree could be eligible. 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.
Often, an H-1B is the first application towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (known as a green card) via sponsorship through their Bloomington, IL job and then apply for United States citizenship.
Bloomington, IL TN Visas Explained
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are designated for Mexican and Canadian 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. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Bloomington, IL). Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and need not obtain a visa stamp at a consulate ahead of time, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Similar to H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Bloomington, IL can shift to a green card if they are qualified.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Bloomington, IL Can Help You With
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, potentially convoluted process. H-1B visa lawyers in Bloomington, IL can help you navigate this system and obtain a successful outcome.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the most difficult challenges that Illinois applicants must meet is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, 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. Bloomington, IL H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Application Deadlines - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. An H-1B attorney in Bloomington, IL is well-versed in the process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the small window of opportunity.
Sponsorship by Employers - Employers who already have a lot on their plates often turn to Illinois corporate immigration lawyers to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Precision and timeliness are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Practically every single year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. A knowledgeable, skilled Bloomington, IL immigration attorney can help you understand and navigate the changes to make sure your registration and application are prepared properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Bloomington, IL Can Do
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. A knowledgeable Bloomington, IL TN visa attorney can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Review Eligibility - Bloomington, IL TN visa attorneys can help review your or your potential employee’s educational background and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility 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 the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your Bloomington, IL TN visa lawyer can help keep you updated with changes in policy and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Bloomington, IL, which means staying current with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and many more obligations. Your Bloomington visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Bloomington, IL
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Bloomington, IL, the process can be complicated and taxing. In addition, mistakes in the application can result in automatic denial.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Bloomington, IL is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that are associated with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Bloomington, IL can adjust to special circumstances, which include additional dependents and immediate family members to Illinois with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Bloomington, IL
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 went through multiple immigration processes herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Bloomington, Illinois and beyond, with worldwide expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
We take a proactive approach, which has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. That's one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all H-1B and TN visas in Bloomington, IL. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.