North Berwick, ME H-1B Visas Explained
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa permits foreign citizens in certain specialized careers to temporarily work and live in North Berwick and the entire United States. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a specialized profession such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any line of work where the employer can prove a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement might qualify. H-1B visas are good for three years but may be extended up to six years or more if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (known as a green card) through sponsorship from their North Berwick, ME employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in North Berwick, ME?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. 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 North Berwick, ME) in order to qualify. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border 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 additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in North Berwick, ME are able to apply for a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in North Berwick, ME?
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but actually require you to go through a complex, often convoluted system. H-1B visa lawyers in North Berwick, ME can help you navigate this system and achieve a great result.
Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Maine applicants encounter is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. 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. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
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 North Berwick, ME can assist you in preparing your visa application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Dates To Remember - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in North Berwick, ME, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the fast process.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates normally will hire Maine corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Accuracy and punctuality are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and due dates on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Practically every single year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. A knowledgeable, skilled North Berwick, ME immigration attorney can help you understand and navigate the changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out correctly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in North Berwick, ME Can Do
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced North Berwick, ME TN visa lawyer can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Eligibility - North Berwick, ME TN visa attorneys can help review your or your potential employee’s information and qualifications to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. 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 - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa lawyer in North Berwick, ME can help you stay up to date with any policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in North Berwick, ME which means keeping up with visa documentation, logging job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and many more obligations. Your North Berwick visa lawyers can prepare and train relevant staff to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in North Berwick, ME
No matter if you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa to work in North Berwick, ME, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. In addition, mistakes in the application may lead to your petition being denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in North Berwick, ME is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can assist in managing the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines associated with them. Furthermore, North Berwick, ME immigration lawyers can aid in your specific 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 North Berwick, ME?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she migrated to the United States and went through various immigration steps personally! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in North Berwick, ME, and beyond, with wide-reaching expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States 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 North Berwick, ME. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.