Ellicott City, MD H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in specialized areas of employment to work for a finiteamount of time in Ellicott City, MD and the United States in general. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a highly-specialized industry like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any professional field where employers can show a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement may qualify. H-1B visas are good for three years but may be extended up to six years or more if the applicant pursues a green card.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also called a green card) as sponsored by their Ellicott City, MD job and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Ellicott City, MD?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Ellicott City, MD). 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, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Similar to H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Ellicott City, MD can change to a green card if they are qualified.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Ellicott City, MD Can Help You Overcome
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, potentially convoluted process. Ellicott City, MD H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and achieve a great result.
Visa Caps - The main challenge Maryland applicants must overcome is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
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 Ellicott City, MD can help you prepare your application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Deadlines - Registration 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 have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Ellicott City, MD, they are familiar with this process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the small window of opportunity.
Sponsorship by Employers - Busy employers and their HR teams will frequently turn to Maryland corporate immigration lawyers to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Timeliness and accuracy are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Practically every single year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. A knowledgeable, skilled Ellicott City, MD immigration attorney can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are finalized completely.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Ellicott City, MD
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced TN visa attorney in Ellicott City, MD can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - Ellicott City, MD TN visa attorneys can review your or your future employee's educational background and experience to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Visa Extension - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your Ellicott City, MD TN visa lawyer can help you remain current with changing policies and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Ellicott City, MD, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Your Ellicott City visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Ellicott City, MD?
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Ellicott City, MD, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Ellicott City, MD is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can help you understand the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork that correspond with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Ellicott City, MD can assist with your unique situation, such as bringing spouse and children or close relatives to Maryland with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Ellicott City, MD
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she immigrated to the USA and went through various immigration steps personally! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Ellicott City, MD, and beyond, with worldwide expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our forward-thinking attitude 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 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, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with your TN and H-1B visa needs in Ellicott City, MD. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.