Bethlehem, MD H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that authorizes foreign nationals in specialized areas of employment to temporarily work and live in Bethlehem and the entire United States. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a specialized profession such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any area of work where employers can show 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 may be extended to a total of six years or longer if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (known as a green card) as sponsored by their Bethlehem, MD job and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Bethlehem, MD
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Bethlehem, MD) to qualify. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the consulate ahead of time, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Similar to H-1B visas, those with a TN visa in Bethlehem, MD can choose to transition to a green card if certain requirements are met.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Bethlehem, MD Can Help You With
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, often convoluted system. An H-1B visa lawyer in Bethlehem, MD can help you work through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Cap Limitations - One of the biggest obstacles that Maryland applicants face is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued 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.
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 lawyer in Bethlehem, MD can help you with preparing your petition and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Deadlines - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. An H-1B attorney in Bethlehem, MD is well-versed in the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the limited timeframe.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates will frequently turn to Maryland corporate immigration lawyers to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this heavily regulated legal system. Accuracy and punctuality are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Practically every single year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced immigration attorney in Bethlehem, MD can help you understand those policy changes so your registration and application are filed on time and completely.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Bethlehem, MD Can Do
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced Bethlehem, MD TN visa lawyer can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Bethlehem, MD can review your or your future employee's educational background and experience to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Visa Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Bethlehem, MD TN visa attorney can help ensure you remain updated with changes in policy and the information needed to renew your visa. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Compliance Requirements - The duty for Bethlehem, MD immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying current with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, along with other requirements. One of our Bethlehem visa lawyers can prepare and train relevant staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Bethlehem, MD
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa to work in Bethlehem, MD, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application can result in automatic denial.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Bethlehem, MD is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that correspond with each one. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Bethlehem, MD can adjust to special circumstances, including bringing dependents or close relatives to Maryland with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Bethlehem, MD?
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 various immigration steps personally! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Bethlehem, Maryland, who possess international expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective 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.* Whether you're attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Bethlehem, MD. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.