H-1B Visas for Temporary Work in Westbrook, ME
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to work in Westbrook, ME and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a specialized profession such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any profession 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.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (known as a green card) via sponsorship through their Westbrook, ME job and ultimately apply for citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Westbrook, ME
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. 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 Westbrook, ME). 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, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Similar to H-1B visas, Westbrook, ME TN visa holders are eligible to apply for a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Westbrook, ME?
H-1B visas could seem simple but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, often convoluted system. An H-1B visa lawyer in Westbrook, ME can help you work through this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The main challenge Maine applicants must overcome 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, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
For the 2023 fiscal year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received 758,994 eligible H-1B registrations and selected 188,400 to apply for only 65,000 visas. An H-1B visa attorney in Westbrook, ME can assist you in preparing your visa application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. An H-1B attorney in Westbrook, ME is well-versed in the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the fast process.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly often turn to Maine corporate immigration lawyers to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Timeliness and accuracy are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and due dates on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Almost each and every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Westbrook, ME can help you navigate those shifts to ensure that your registration and application are filled out correctly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Westbrook, ME
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. A knowledgeable Westbrook, ME TN visa attorney can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Westbrook, ME can assess your or your potential new hire's education and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Extensions - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your TN visa attorney in Westbrook, ME can help you remain current with any policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Visa Compliance - The duty for Westbrook, ME immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying current with visa paperwork, logging job duties and wages, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional obligations. Your Westbrook visa attorneys can prepare and train relevant staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Westbrook, ME
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Westbrook, ME, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application can result in automatic denial.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Westbrook, ME is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can help you work through the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines correlated with each. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Westbrook, ME can assist with your unique situation, 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 Westbrook, 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 has navigated a few immigration filings herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Westbrook, ME, and throughout, with wide-reaching expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
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 seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Westbrook, ME. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.