Understanding H-1B Visas in Portland, ME
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in particular job industries to temporarily work in Portland, ME and the rest of the United States. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a professional specialty like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any area of work where that the employer can demonstrate that a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement could be eligible. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it can be extended to a six-year maximum or longer if the employee applies for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Portland, ME employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Portland, ME?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Portland, ME) to qualify. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border 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.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, Portland, ME TN visa holders are eligible to transition to a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Portland, ME?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but require navigating a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. An H-1B visa attorney in Portland, ME can assist you with this system and gain a desired outcome.
Visa Caps - One of the biggest obstacles that Maine applicants face 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 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate 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. Portland, ME H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Deadlines - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and once selected, applicants and their employers only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Portland, ME, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the limited timeframe.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams will frequently turn to Maine corporate immigration lawyers to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Timeliness and accuracy are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and manage deadlines for you.
Changing Policies - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. A knowledgeable, skilled Portland, ME immigration attorney can help you understand and navigate the changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Portland, ME Can Do
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Portland, ME with experience can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Eligibility Determination - Portland, ME TN visa attorneys can assess your or your potential new hire'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 with the necessary documents and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Visa Extension - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your TN visa attorney in Portland, ME can help you remain current with changes in policy and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Compliance - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Portland, ME employment and immigration laws, which means staying current with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and many more obligations. Portland visa lawyers from our team can train and prepare your staff members to stay compliant throughout the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Portland, ME
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Portland, ME, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Portland, ME is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist you in navigating the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries associated with them. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Portland, ME can adjust to special circumstances, including bringing dependents or members of your family to Maine with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Portland, ME
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she moved to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Portland, ME, and throughout, with worldwide 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 also have one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Portland, ME. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.