Understanding H-1B Visas in Washburn, ME
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in certain specialized careers to temporarily work in Washburn, ME and the rest of the 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 professional field where the hiring company can prove it is required to have a bachelor's degree might qualify. H-1B visas are initially three years long but have the option to be extended up to six years or longer if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Often, an H-1B is the first application immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Washburn, ME employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Washburn, ME?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Washburn, ME). For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the consulate ahead of time, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Much like H-1B visas, Washburn, ME TN visa holders are eligible to transition to a green card if they are qualified.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Washburn, ME Can Help You With
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, often convoluted system. Washburn, ME H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and gain a desired outcome.
Visa Cap Limitations - One of the biggest obstacles that Maine applicants face is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, 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. An H-1B visa lawyer in Washburn, ME can help you with preparing your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - 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. An H-1B attorney in Washburn, ME is well-versed in the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the small window of opportunity.
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 regulated, high-stakes legal process. Timeliness and accuracy are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and due dates on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Nearly every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. A knowledgeable, skilled Washburn, ME immigration attorney can help you understand those policy changes so your registration and application are filed on time and accurately.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Washburn, ME
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A knowledgeable Washburn, ME TN visa attorney can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Washburn, ME can review your or your future employee's education and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Extensions - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Washburn, ME TN visa attorney can help you stay up to date with changing policies and the guidance you need for visa renewal. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Washburn, ME, which means staying current with visa paperwork, logging job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, along with other requirements. One of our Washburn visa lawyers 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 Washburn, ME
No matter if you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa to work in Washburn, ME, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can result in automatic denial.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Washburn, ME is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can assist you in navigating the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork associated with them. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Washburn, ME can help with your individual situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or members of your family to Maine with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Washburn, ME
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she moved to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Washburn, ME, and beyond, with wide-reaching expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our proactive perspective means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. That gives us one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* Whether you're attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Washburn, ME. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.