H-1B Visas in Chestertown, MD: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which permits foreign citizens in specialized areas of employment to work in Chestertown, MD 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 professional specialty such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare 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 have the option to be extended up to six years or more 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 (also known as a green card) as sponsored by their Chestertown, MD job and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Chestertown, MD
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Chestertown, MD) in order to qualify. 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, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Chestertown, MD can shift to a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Chestertown, MD?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, frequently vague bureaucracy. H-1B visa lawyers in Chestertown, MD can help you navigate this system and achieve a great result.
Visa Caps - One of the most difficult challenges that Maryland applicants must meet is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas per 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 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 attorney in Chestertown, MD can assist you in preparing your visa application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Deadlines - Registration for H-1B visa application is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. H-1B lawyers in Chestertown, MD have expertise in this application process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates normally will hire Maryland corporate immigration attorneys to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this highly-regulated legal process. Precision and timeliness are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. A knowledgeable, skilled Chestertown, MD immigration attorney can help you understand and navigate the changes so your registration and application are filed on time and completely.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Chestertown, MD Can Help You
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced Chestertown, MD TN visa lawyer can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Eligibility Determination - A TN visa attorney in Chestertown, MD can assess your or your potential new hire's educational background and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Extensions - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa lawyer in Chestertown, MD can help you stay up to date 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 Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Chestertown, MD which means staying current with visa paperwork, documenting wages and job duties, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Chestertown visa lawyers from our team can ensure your team is trained and prepared to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Chestertown, MD
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa to work in Chestertown, MD, the process can be complicated and taxing. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can cause it to be denied outright.
Chestertown, MD H-1B or TN visa attorneys are familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist you in navigating the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines that are associated with each one. Furthermore, Chestertown, MD immigration lawyers can aid in your specific situation, such as bringing spouse and children or close relatives to Maryland with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Chestertown, MD?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she immigrated to the USA and went through various immigration steps personally! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Chestertown, Maryland and beyond, with wide-reaching expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* Whether you’re looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA or an employer seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Chestertown, MD. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.