H-1B Visas in Farmington, ME: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which permits foreign citizens in specialized fields of work to temporarily work in Farmington, ME and the rest of the United States. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a specialized profession including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any profession where the hiring company can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required may qualify. 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.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Farmington, ME employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas in Farmington, ME: What Are They?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Farmington, ME) in order to qualify. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Much like H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Farmington, ME can transition to a green card if certain requirements are met.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Farmington, ME Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but require navigating a complex, sometimes vague system. Farmington, ME H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and achieve a great result.
Visa Cap Limitations - One of the most difficult challenges that Maine applicants must meet is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, 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. An H-1B visa attorney in Farmington, ME can assist you in preparing your visa application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Dates To Remember - 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. An H-1B attorney in Farmington, ME is well-versed in the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the limited timeframe.
Employer Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams normally will hire Maine corporate immigration attorneys to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Accuracy and timeliness are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Almost each and every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced Farmington, ME immigration lawyer can help you navigate those shifts so your registration and application are filed on time and properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Farmington, ME Can Do
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Farmington, ME with experience can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Farmington, ME can assess your or your potential new hire's qualifications and information to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Visa Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your Farmington, ME TN visa lawyer can help you remain current with potential policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Farmington, ME which means staying current with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and many more obligations. Farmington visa lawyers from our team can coach the necessary staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Farmington, ME
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa to work in Farmington, ME, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Farmington, ME is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation associated with them. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Farmington, ME can assist with your unique situation, including bringing dependents or other immediate relatives with you to Maine.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Farmington, ME?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she migrated to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Farmington, ME, and beyond, who have global expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. 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 ready to hire the best global talent, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all H-1B and TN visas in Farmington, ME. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.