Understanding H-1B Visas in Gorham, ME
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in certain specialized careers to temporarily work in Gorham, 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 professional specialty such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any profession where the hiring company can prove it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree might qualify. H-1B visas are initially three years long but may be extended up to six years and even longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also called a green card) via sponsorship through their Gorham, ME job and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Gorham, ME: What Are They?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Gorham, ME) to qualify. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and need not obtain a visa stamp at a 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 visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Gorham, ME can shift to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Gorham, ME?
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but require navigating a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. Gorham, ME H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and achieve a great result.
Cap Limitations - The main challenge Maine applicants must overcome is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, your paperwork must be without errors and submitted correctly.
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 Gorham, ME can help you with preparing your petition so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Application Deadlines - Registration for H-1B visa application is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and once selected, applicants and their employers only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. An H-1B attorney in Gorham, ME is well-versed in the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the fast process.
Sponsorship by Employers - Busy employers and their HR teams normally will hire Maine corporate immigration attorneys to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this highly-regulated legal process. Precision and timeliness are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and deadlines on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Gorham, ME can help you understand and navigate the changes to make sure your registration and application are prepared completely.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Gorham, ME Can Do
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced Gorham, ME TN visa lawyer can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - Gorham, ME TN visa attorneys can help review your or your potential employee’s educational background and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Extensions - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa lawyer in Gorham, ME can help keep you updated with potential policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Gorham, ME, which means staying on top of visa documentation, recording wages and job assignments, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and many more obligations. Your Gorham visa lawyers can ensure your team is trained and prepared to maintain compliance throughout the petition and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Gorham, ME
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa to work in Gorham, ME, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application can result in automatic denial.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Gorham, ME is experienced in the complications of each visa and can assist you in navigating the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that are associated with each one. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Gorham, ME can adjust to special circumstances, such as bringing spouse and children or close relatives to Maine with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Gorham, ME?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she moved to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Gorham, ME, and beyond, who have global expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude 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.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all H-1B and TN visas in Gorham, ME. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.