Lake Charles, LA H-1B Visas Explained
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which allows citizens of foreign countries in certain specialized careers to temporarily work and live in Lake Charles and the entire United States. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a specialized profession like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any profession where that the employer can demonstrate that it is required to have a bachelor's degree could potentially fit. H-1B visas are initially three years long but may be extended to a total of six years and potentially more if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining 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 Lake Charles, LA job and then apply for United States citizenship.
Lake Charles, LA TN Visas Explained
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Lake Charles, LA) to qualify. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the 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 Lake Charles, LA can apply for a green card if they are qualified.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Lake Charles, LA Can Help You
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but require navigating a complex, sometimes vague system. An H-1B visa attorney in Lake Charles, LA can assist you with this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Cap Limitations - The main challenge Louisiana applicants must overcome is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right information.
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. An H-1B visa lawyer in Lake Charles, LA can help you prepare your application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Deadlines - Registration for H-1B visa application is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and then applicants and employers who are selected have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. H-1B lawyers in Lake Charles, LA have expertise in this application process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the fast process.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they normally will hire Louisiana corporate immigration attorneys to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this highly-regulated legal process. Timeliness and accuracy are vital for visa petitions 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. An experienced immigration attorney in Lake Charles, LA can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are finalized correctly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Lake Charles, LA Can Help You
Like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A TN visa lawyer in Lake Charles, LA with experience can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Lake Charles, LA can analyze your or your potential new employee's qualifications and information 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 make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Extensions - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa attorney in Lake Charles, LA can help keep you updated with changes in policy and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Lake Charles, LA which means keeping up with visa documentation, logging job duties and wages, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. One of our Lake Charles visa lawyers can coach the necessary staff to maintain compliance throughout the petition and reduce the chance of government audits.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Lake Charles, LA
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa to work in Lake Charles, LA, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can cause it to be denied outright.
Lake Charles, LA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist in managing the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries that correspond with each one. Furthermore, Lake Charles, LA immigration lawyers can help with your individual situation, such as bringing spouse and children or members of your family to Louisiana with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Lake Charles, LA?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she migrated to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Lake Charles, LA, and throughout, who have global expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. We also have 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 hoping to hire global talent, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Lake Charles, LA. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.