H-1B Visas for Temporary Work in Lincoln, ME
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which allows citizens of foreign countries in particular job industries to work in Lincoln, ME and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialized professional field like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any profession where the employer can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could be eligible. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years and potentially more if the applicant pursues a green card.
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 (known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Lincoln, ME employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Lincoln, ME?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is 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. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Lincoln, ME) in order to qualify. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, 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, Lincoln, ME TN visa holders are eligible to transition to a green card if eligible.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Lincoln, ME?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but require navigating a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. An H-1B visa lawyer in Lincoln, ME can help you work through this system and gain a desired outcome.
Cap Limitations - 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 current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right information.
In 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported receiving 758,994 eligible registrations and selected 188,400 to apply for the 65,000 available visas. An H-1B visa attorney in Lincoln, ME can assist you in preparing your visa application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Application Turnaround Times - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Lincoln, 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.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they 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 timeliness are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Almost each and every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced immigration attorney in Lincoln, ME can help you understand and navigate the changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out accurately.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Lincoln, ME Can Help
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork from both the applicant and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Lincoln, ME with experience can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Lincoln, ME can analyze your or your potential new employee's qualifications and information 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 confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Renewal - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your TN visa attorney in Lincoln, ME can help you remain current with any policy changes and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Lincoln, ME, which means keeping up with visa documentation, logging job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. Your Lincoln visa attorneys can ensure your team is trained and prepared to stay compliant throughout the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Lincoln, ME?
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Lincoln, ME, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may lead to your petition being denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Lincoln, ME is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you understand the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines that are associated with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Lincoln, ME can help with your individual situation, which include additional dependents or members of your family to Maine with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Lincoln, ME
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Lincoln, ME, and beyond, who possess international 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's 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 ready to hire the best global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Lincoln, ME. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.