Understanding H-1B Visas in Thomaston, ME
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized fields of work to work in Thomaston, ME and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a specialized professional field such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any professional field where that the employer can demonstrate that it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree could be eligible. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended to a total of six years and even longer if the applicant pursues a green card.
Often, an H-1B is the first application towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also called a green card) via sponsorship through their Thomaston, ME job and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas in Thomaston, ME: What Are They?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Thomaston, 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 citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Like H-1B visa applicants, TN visa holders in Thomaston, ME can apply for a green card if eligible.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Thomaston, ME Can Help You
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, sometimes vague system. H-1B visa lawyers in Thomaston, ME can help you navigate this system and achieve a great result.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the most difficult challenges that Maine applicants must meet is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, and then 20,000 additional visas in 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.
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 Thomaston, ME can assist you in preparing your visa application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration for H-1B visa application is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Thomaston, ME, they are familiar with this process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the short turnaround time.
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. Precision and timeliness are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and track time limits on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Almost each and every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An experienced immigration attorney in Thomaston, ME can help you understand and navigate the changes to make sure your registration and application are prepared properly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Thomaston, ME
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced Thomaston, ME TN visa lawyer can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - A TN visa lawyer in Thomaston, ME can review your or your future employee's educational background and experience to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Extensions - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa attorney in Thomaston, ME can help you stay up to date with changing policies and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Thomaston, ME, which means staying current with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Your Thomaston visa lawyers can coach the necessary staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Thomaston, ME?
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Thomaston, ME, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can result in automatic denial.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Thomaston, ME is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you work through the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork that are associated with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Thomaston, ME can assist with your unique situation, which include additional dependents and immediate family members to Maine with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Thomaston, ME
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she immigrated to the USA and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Thomaston, Maine and beyond, with worldwide expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our forward-thinking attitude has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. That's 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, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Thomaston, ME. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.