Understanding H-1B Visas in Fulton, MD
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which allows citizens of foreign countries in certain specialized careers to work in Fulton, MD and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialized professional field such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any line of work where that the employer can demonstrate that it is required to have a bachelor's degree could potentially fit. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it may be extended to a total of six years and potentially more if the applicant pursues a green card.
Often, an H-1B is the first application towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also called a green card) through sponsorship from their Fulton, MD employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas in Fulton, 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. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Fulton, MD. 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.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Much like H-1B visas, those with a TN visa in Fulton, MD can choose to change to a green card if certain requirements are met.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Fulton, MD Can Help You With
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, frequently vague bureaucracy. An H-1B visa attorney in Fulton, MD can assist you with this system and achieve a great result.
Visa Caps - 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 an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, your paperwork must be without errors and submitted correctly.
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 Fulton, MD can help you prepare your application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Dates To Remember - The registration window 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 a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Fulton, MD, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly normally will hire Maryland corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Precision and timeliness are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. A knowledgeable, skilled Fulton, MD immigration attorney can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are finalized accurately.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Fulton, MD
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. A knowledgeable Fulton, MD TN visa attorney can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Review Eligibility - Fulton, MD TN visa attorneys can help review your or your potential 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 prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Visa Extension - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa lawyer in Fulton, MD can help ensure you remain updated with any policy changes and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Fulton, MD, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Fulton visa lawyers from our team can train and prepare your staff members to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Fulton, MD?
Whether you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa to work in Fulton, MD, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. In addition, mistakes in the application can result in automatic denial.
Fulton, MD H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation correlated with each. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Fulton, MD can assist with your unique situation, including bringing dependents or close relatives to Maryland with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Fulton, MD?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she moved to the United States and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Fulton, Maryland and beyond, with worldwide expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective 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 attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Fulton, MD. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.