Understanding H-1B Visas in Fairfield, ME
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized areas of employment to work in Fairfield, ME and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a specialized profession such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any professional field where employers can show it is required to have a bachelor's degree might qualify. H-1B visas are good for three years but may be extended up to 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 (also known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Fairfield, ME employer and ultimately apply for citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Fairfield, ME?
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, 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. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Fairfield, 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, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Similar to H-1B visas, Fairfield, ME TN visa holders are eligible to change to a green card if certain requirements are met.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Fairfield, ME Can Help You With
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in reality, require working through a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. An H-1B visa attorney in Fairfield, ME can assist you with this system and successfully petition your visa.
H-1B Cap Issues - The main challenge Maine applicants must overcome is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate information.
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. An H-1B visa lawyer in Fairfield, ME can help you prepare your application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Deadlines - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Fairfield, ME is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly commonly look to Maine corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Timeliness and accuracy are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and due dates on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. An experienced Fairfield, ME immigration lawyer can help you understand those policy changes to make sure your registration and application are finalized accurately.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Fairfield, ME Can Help
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Fairfield, ME with experience can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - Fairfield, ME TN visa attorneys can assess your or your potential new hire's educational background 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 confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Extensions - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa attorney in Fairfield, ME can help you stay up to date with changes in policy 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 continue your legal working status.
Employer Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Fairfield, ME which means staying on top of visa documentation, properly document job duties and wages, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Fairfield visa lawyers from our team can coach the necessary staff to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Fairfield, ME?
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Fairfield, ME, the process can be complicated and taxing. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application can result in automatic denial.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Fairfield, ME is experienced in the complications of each visa and can assist in managing the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation associated with them. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Fairfield, ME can adjust to special circumstances, including bringing dependents and immediate family members to Maine with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Fairfield, ME?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she migrated to the United States and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Fairfield, ME, and throughout, who have global expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach 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.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all H-1B and TN visas in Fairfield, ME. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.