H-1B Visas in Galena, MD: What Are They?
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in particular job industries to work in Galena, MD and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a highly-specialized industry such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any profession where the employer can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could be eligible. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it have the option to be extended up to six years and even longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Often, an H-1B is the first application towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (a U.S. green card) through sponsorship from their Galena, MD employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Galena, MD?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Galena, 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. Akin to H-1B visa holders, those with a TN visa in Galena, MD can choose to transition to a green card if certain requirements are met.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Galena, MD Can Help You
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but require navigating a complex, often convoluted system. Galena, MD H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through 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 current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate information.
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. Galena, MD H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration for H-1B visa application is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. H-1B lawyers in Galena, MD have expertise in this application process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the limited timeframe.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams will frequently turn to Maryland corporate immigration lawyers to help put together the entire visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Accuracy and timeliness are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and due dates on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. A knowledgeable, skilled Galena, MD immigration attorney can help you understand those policy changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out correctly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Galena, MD
Like H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Galena, MD with experience can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - A TN visa lawyer in Galena, MD can assess your or your potential new hire's educational background and experience to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. They can also assist you with the necessary documents 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 Galena, MD TN visa attorney can help keep you updated with changing policies and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Galena, MD employment and immigration laws, which means staying on top of visa documentation, recording wages and job assignments, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. Your Galena visa lawyers can ensure your team is trained and prepared to stay compliant throughout the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Galena, MD
No matter if you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Galena, MD, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Galena, 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 Galena, MD can aid in your specific 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 Galena, MD
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and went through various immigration steps personally! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Galena, MD, and throughout, with worldwide expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our hands-on approach has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. We also have one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Galena, MD. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.