Kennebunkport, ME H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized fields of work to temporarily work and live in Kennebunkport and the entire United States. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialized profession like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any profession where the employer can prove it is required to have a bachelor's degree could be eligible. H-1B visas are initially three years long but can be extended to a six-year maximum and potentially more if the applicant pursues a green card.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also called a green card) sponsored by their Kennebunkport, ME employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
Kennebunkport, ME TN Visas Explained
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Kennebunkport, ME). 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 obtain a visa stamp.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, those with a TN visa in Kennebunkport, ME can choose to shift to a green card if certain requirements are met.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Kennebunkport, ME?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but actually require you to go through a complex, sometimes vague system. H-1B visa lawyers in Kennebunkport, ME can help you navigate this system and gain a desired outcome.
Visa Caps - The biggest hurdle Maine applicants encounter 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. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, 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 attorney in Kennebunkport, ME can assist you in preparing your visa application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Kennebunkport, ME is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates often turn to Maine corporate immigration lawyers to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Accuracy and punctuality are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and due dates on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Almost each and every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Kennebunkport, ME can help you navigate those shifts to ensure that your registration and application are filled out properly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Kennebunkport, ME Can Help
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced Kennebunkport, ME TN visa lawyer can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Eligibility Determination - TN visa lawyers in Kennebunkport, ME can review your or your future employee's education and experience to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Renewal - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your Kennebunkport, ME TN visa lawyer 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 attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Kennebunkport, ME which means staying current with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and many more obligations. Your Kennebunkport visa attorneys can prepare and train relevant staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the chance of government audits.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Kennebunkport, ME
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Kennebunkport, ME, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application can result in automatic denial.
Kennebunkport, ME H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can assist in managing the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that correspond with each one. Furthermore, Kennebunkport, ME immigration lawyers can assist with your unique situation, which include additional dependents or members of your family to Maine with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Kennebunkport, 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 team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Kennebunkport, ME, and throughout, with worldwide expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Kennebunkport, ME. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.