Bethesda, MD H-1B Visas Explained
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized fields of work to temporarily work in Bethesda, MD and the rest of the United States. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a specialized professional field such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any line of work where that the employer can demonstrate that a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required might qualify. H-1B visas are initially three years long but may be extended up to six years or longer if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Often, an H-1B is the first application individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also called a green card) via sponsorship through their Bethesda, MD job and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Bethesda, MD: What Are They?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Bethesda, MD) to qualify. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or 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.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Similar to H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Bethesda, MD can shift to a green card if certain requirements are met.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Bethesda, MD Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but require navigating a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. Bethesda, MD H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the biggest obstacles that Maryland applicants face 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, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, your paperwork must be without errors and submitted correctly.
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. Bethesda, MD H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Dates To Remember - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is typically open for just 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 Bethesda, MD is well-versed in the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the fast process.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly often turn to Maryland corporate immigration lawyers to help put together the entire visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Accuracy and punctuality are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and deadlines on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Just about each year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An experienced immigration attorney in Bethesda, MD can help you understand and navigate the changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out properly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Bethesda, MD
Like H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A TN visa lawyer in Bethesda, MD with experience can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Eligibility Determination - Bethesda, MD TN visa attorneys can review your or your future employee's information and qualifications to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa lawyer in Bethesda, MD can help ensure you remain updated with any policy changes and the information needed to renew your visa. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Bethesda, MD, which means staying on top of visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. Bethesda visa lawyers from our team can prepare and train relevant staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Bethesda, MD
No matter if you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa to work in Bethesda, MD, the process can be complicated and taxing. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application can result in automatic denial.
Bethesda, MD H-1B or TN visa attorneys are experienced in the complications of each visa and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation correlated with each. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Bethesda, MD can adjust to special circumstances, such as bringing spouse and children and immediate family members to Maryland with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Bethesda, MD
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who understands the immigration procedures deeply – she migrated to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Bethesda, MD, and beyond, with wide-reaching expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our hands-on approach has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved 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 hoping to hire global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all H-1B and TN visas in Bethesda, MD. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.