Chicago, IL H-1B Visas Explained
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to temporarily work in Chicago, IL and the rest of the United States. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a highly-specialized industry such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any line of work where the employer can prove it is required to have a bachelor's degree may qualify. H-1B visas are good for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years and even longer if the applicant decides to apply 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. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (also called a green card) via sponsorship through their Chicago, IL job and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Chicago, IL?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Chicago, IL) to qualify. 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 visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, TN visa holders in Chicago, IL can apply for a green card if they are qualified.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Chicago, IL Can Help You
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, often convoluted system. An H-1B visa attorney in Chicago, IL can assist you with this system and gain a desired outcome.
Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Illinois applicants encounter is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through 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. Chicago, IL H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Application Deadlines - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and the selected employers and applicants have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Chicago, IL is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the limited timeframe.
Sponsorship by Employers - Busy employers and their HR teams normally will hire Illinois corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this highly-regulated 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 - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced immigration attorney in Chicago, IL can help you navigate those shifts to make sure your registration and application are prepared correctly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Chicago, IL
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced Chicago, IL TN visa lawyer can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - Chicago, IL TN visa attorneys can review your or your future employee's qualifications and information to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Visa Extension - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa attorney in Chicago, IL 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 continue your legal working status.
Employer Visa Compliance - The duty for Chicago, IL immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, along with other requirements. Your Chicago visa lawyers can ensure your team is trained and prepared to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Chicago, IL?
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Chicago, IL, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
Chicago, IL H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that correspond with each one. Furthermore, Chicago, IL immigration lawyers can assist with your unique situation, such as bringing spouse and children or other immediate relatives with you to Illinois.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Chicago, IL?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she migrated to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Chicago, Illinois and beyond, with worldwide expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved 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, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Chicago, IL. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.