Understanding H-1B Visas in Springfield, IL
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized areas of employment to temporarily work and live in Springfield and the entire United States. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a specialized profession such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any area of work where the hiring company can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could potentially fit. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but can be extended to a six-year maximum or more if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (known as a green card) via sponsorship through their Springfield, IL job and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Springfield, IL: What Are They?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Springfield, IL. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Springfield, IL are able to apply for a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Springfield, IL Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in reality, require working through a complex, often convoluted system. An H-1B visa attorney in Springfield, IL can assist you with this system and successfully petition your visa.
H-1B Cap Issues - The main challenge Illinois applicants must overcome 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, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, 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 Springfield, IL can help you with preparing your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Deadlines - Registration for H-1B visa application is typically open for just 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. H-1B lawyers in Springfield, IL have expertise in this application process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the limited timeframe.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates commonly look to Illinois corporate immigration attorneys to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this heavily regulated legal system. Timeliness and accuracy are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and track time limits on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Springfield, IL can help you understand those policy changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out correctly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Springfield, IL Can Help You
Similarly 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 Springfield, IL with experience can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Springfield, IL can assess your or your potential new hire's education and experience to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Visa Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa attorney in Springfield, IL can help you stay up to date with changes in policy and the guidance you need for visa renewal. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Springfield, IL, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Springfield visa lawyers from our team can ensure your team is trained and prepared to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Springfield, IL
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Springfield, IL, the process can be complicated and taxing. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Springfield, IL is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist you in navigating the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries associated with them. Furthermore, Springfield, IL immigration lawyers can assist with your unique situation, including bringing dependents or close relatives to Illinois with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Springfield, IL
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she migrated to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Springfield, IL, and beyond, with worldwide expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude 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.* Whether you’re looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Springfield, IL. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.