Highland, MD H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in particular job industries to temporarily work and live in Highland and the entire United States. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a professional specialty such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any line of work where the employer can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could potentially fit. H-1B visas are good for three years but may be extended up to six years and potentially more if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (a U.S. green card) through sponsorship from their Highland, MD employer and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
TN Visas in Highland, MD: What Are They?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are 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. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Highland, MD). If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, TN visa holders in Highland, MD can apply for a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Highland, MD Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but actually require you to go through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa attorney in Highland, MD can assist you with this system and achieve a great result.
H-1B Cap Issues - The biggest hurdle Maryland applicants encounter 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. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right 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 Highland, MD can assist you in preparing your visa application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration for H-1B visa application 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. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Highland, MD, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they will frequently turn to Maryland corporate immigration lawyers to help put together the entire visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Timeliness and accuracy are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced Highland, MD immigration lawyer can help you understand those policy changes to make sure your registration and application are prepared completely.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Highland, MD Can Help
Like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Highland, MD with experience can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Highland, MD can help review your or your potential employee’s education and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Visa Renewal - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your TN visa attorney in Highland, MD can help you stay up to date with any policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Highland, MD employment and immigration laws, which means staying on top of visa documentation, properly document job duties and wages, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. Your Highland visa lawyers can coach the necessary staff to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Highland, MD?
Whether you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa to work in Highland, MD, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may cause your application to be denied.
Highland, MD H-1B or TN visa attorneys are familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist in managing the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries that correspond with each one. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Highland, MD can assist with your unique situation, which include additional dependents or members of your family to Maryland with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Highland, MD?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she migrated to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Highland, MD, and beyond, with worldwide expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. That's one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with your TN and H-1B visa needs in Highland, MD. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.