H-1B Visas in La Plata, MD: What Are They?
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to work in La Plata, 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 highly-specialized industry like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any profession where the employer can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required might qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended to a total of six years and potentially more if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (also known as a green card) via sponsorship through their La Plata, MD job and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in La Plata, MD?
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. 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 La Plata, MD). For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in La Plata, MD can transition to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in La Plata, MD?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa lawyer in La Plata, MD can help you work through this system and gain a desired outcome.
Visa Caps - The main challenge Maryland applicants must overcome 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, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, your paperwork must be without errors and submitted correctly.
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. An H-1B visa lawyer in La Plata, MD can help you prepare your application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is typically open for just 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. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in La Plata, MD is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the limited timeframe.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates 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 critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An immigration lawyer with expertise in La Plata, MD can help you understand those policy changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out completely.
How TN Visa Lawyers in La Plata, MD Can Help
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. A knowledgeable La Plata, MD TN visa attorney can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Review Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in La Plata, MD can review your or your future employee's educational background and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Visa Extension - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your TN visa lawyer in La Plata, MD can help you stay up to date with any policy changes and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - The duty for La Plata, MD immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying on top of visa documentation, recording wages and job assignments, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. La Plata visa lawyers from our team can ensure your team is trained and prepared to maintain compliance throughout the petition and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in La Plata, MD
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in La Plata, MD, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in La Plata, MD is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist you in navigating the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that correspond with each one. Furthermore, La Plata, MD immigration lawyers can aid in your specific situation, such as bringing spouse and children or other immediate relatives with you to Maryland.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in La Plata, MD?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she moved to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in La Plata, MD, and beyond, with worldwide expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
We take a proactive approach, which means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. That's one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* Whether you're attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in La Plata, MD. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.