H-1B Visas in Shawnee, KS: What Are They?
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa authorizes foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to work for a finiteamount of time in Shawnee, KS and the United States in general. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a specialized professional field like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any area of work where the hiring company can prove a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement could potentially fit. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but can be extended to a six-year maximum and potentially more if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Shawnee, KS employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Shawnee, KS?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Shawnee, KS. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
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, TN visa holders in Shawnee, KS can change to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Shawnee, KS?
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in reality, require working through a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. An H-1B visa lawyer in Shawnee, KS can help you work through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the biggest obstacles that Kansas applicants face is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
In 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported receiving 758,994 eligible registrations and selected 188,400 to apply for the 65,000 available visas. Shawnee, KS 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 normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. H-1B lawyers in Shawnee, KS have expertise in this application process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly commonly look to Kansas corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Accuracy and punctuality are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and due dates on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Almost each and every year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. A knowledgeable, skilled Shawnee, KS immigration attorney can help you navigate those shifts to make sure your registration and application are finalized accurately.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Shawnee, KS
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced Shawnee, KS TN visa lawyer can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Shawnee, KS can assess your or your potential new hire's education and experience to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Visa Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Shawnee, KS TN visa attorney can help keep you updated with any policy changes and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Legal Compliance - The duty for Shawnee, KS immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Your Shawnee visa attorneys can prepare and train relevant staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Shawnee, KS
No matter if you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Shawnee, KS, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may lead to your petition being denied.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Shawnee, KS is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you understand the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork associated with them. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Shawnee, KS can assist with your unique situation, such as bringing spouse and children or close relatives to Kansas with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Shawnee, KS
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she immigrated to the USA and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Shawnee, KS, and throughout, who have global 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. That gives us 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 seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Shawnee, KS. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.