H-1B Visas in Hagerstown, MD: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in particular job industries to temporarily work in Hagerstown, MD and the rest of the United States. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a specialized profession including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any professional field where the employer can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required might qualify. H-1B visas are initially three years long but have the option to be extended up to six years or more if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also called a green card) via sponsorship through their Hagerstown, MD job and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Hagerstown, MD: What Are They?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Hagerstown, MD). Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Similar to H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Hagerstown, MD can apply for a green card if they are qualified.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Hagerstown, MD Can Help You
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but require navigating a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. An H-1B visa attorney in Hagerstown, MD can assist you with this system and achieve a great result.
Visa Cap Limitations - The main challenge Maryland applicants must overcome is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. 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. With a limited number of visas available, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right 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. Hagerstown, MD H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Application Deadlines - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. H-1B lawyers in Hagerstown, MD have expertise in this application process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the limited timeframe.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates often turn to Maryland corporate immigration lawyers to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Accuracy and timeliness are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. A knowledgeable, skilled Hagerstown, MD immigration attorney can help you navigate those shifts so your registration and application are filed on time and properly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Hagerstown, MD Can Help
Like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A knowledgeable Hagerstown, MD TN visa attorney can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Hagerstown, MD can assess your or your potential new hire's information and qualifications to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Extensions - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your Hagerstown, MD TN visa lawyer can help you remain current 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 retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance Requirements - The duty for Hagerstown, MD immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying on top of visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional obligations. One of our Hagerstown visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to stay compliant throughout the process and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Hagerstown, MD
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Hagerstown, MD, the process can be complicated and taxing. In addition, mistakes in the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Hagerstown, MD is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you work through the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork that correspond with each one. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Hagerstown, MD can aid in your specific situation, including bringing dependents or other immediate relatives with you to Maryland.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Hagerstown, MD
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and went through various immigration steps personally! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Hagerstown, Maryland and beyond, with wide-reaching expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. That's 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, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all H-1B and TN visas in Hagerstown, MD. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.