Understanding H-1B Visas in Dexter, ME
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized areas of employment to temporarily work in Dexter, ME and the rest of the United States. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a specialized profession including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any line of work where employers can show a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement may qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended to a total of six years or more if the employee applies 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 (known as a green card) sponsored by their Dexter, ME employer and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
Dexter, ME TN Visas Explained
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Dexter, ME. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the consulate ahead of time, but citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Like H-1B visa applicants, Dexter, ME TN visa holders are eligible to apply for a green card if certain requirements are met.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Dexter, ME?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, sometimes vague system. An H-1B visa lawyer in Dexter, ME can help you work through this system and achieve a great result.
Cap Limitations - One of the biggest obstacles that Maine applicants face 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, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through 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.
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. Dexter, ME 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 - 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 only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. H-1B lawyers in Dexter, ME have expertise in this application process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the limited timeframe.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams commonly look to Maine corporate immigration attorneys to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Accuracy and punctuality are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. A knowledgeable, skilled Dexter, ME immigration attorney can help you understand and navigate the changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out correctly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Dexter, ME Can Do
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A knowledgeable Dexter, ME TN visa attorney can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Dexter, ME can analyze your or your potential new 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 help you assemble the necessary paperwork and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Extensions - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your TN visa lawyer in Dexter, ME can help keep you updated with any policy changes and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Dexter, ME, which means keeping up with visa documentation, properly document job duties and wages, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional obligations. Your Dexter visa attorneys can ensure your team is trained and prepared to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Dexter, ME
Whether you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Dexter, ME, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Dexter, ME is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist you in navigating the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation associated with them. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Dexter, ME can adjust to special circumstances, including bringing dependents or close relatives to Maine with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Dexter, ME?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she immigrated to the USA and went through various immigration steps personally! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Dexter, ME, and throughout, with wide-reaching expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our proactive perspective has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. That's one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* Whether you're attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Dexter, ME. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.