H-1B Visas in Potomac, MD: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which authorizes foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to work in Potomac, 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 professional specialty such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any profession where the employer can prove a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement could be eligible. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it may be extended up to six years and even longer if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Potomac, MD employer and ultimately apply for citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Potomac, MD
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Potomac, MD. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport 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 three-year periods at a time. Like H-1B visa applicants, Potomac, MD TN visa holders are eligible to shift to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Potomac, MD?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, often convoluted system. Potomac, MD H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
H-1B Cap Issues - The biggest hurdle Maryland applicants encounter 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 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 Potomac, MD can help you with preparing your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration for H-1B visa application is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Potomac, MD is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the fast process.
Sponsorship by Employers - Employers have a lot to manage, so they 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. Accuracy and punctuality are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and due dates on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Almost each and every year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Potomac, MD can help you navigate those shifts to make sure your registration and application are prepared correctly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Potomac, MD Can Help You
Like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced Potomac, MD TN visa lawyer can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Potomac, MD can review your or your future employee's qualifications and information to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Extensions - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Potomac, MD TN visa attorney can help ensure you remain updated with changing policies and the guidance you need for visa renewal. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Potomac, MD employment and immigration laws, which means staying on top of visa documentation, recording wages and job assignments, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. One of our Potomac visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Potomac, MD?
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for a TN or H-1B visa to work in Potomac, 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 lawyer or TN visa attorney in Potomac, MD is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist you in navigating the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork that are associated with each one. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Potomac, MD can adjust to special circumstances, such as bringing spouse and children and immediate family members to Maryland with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Potomac, MD
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she moved to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Potomac, MD, and throughout, with worldwide expertise and together, they have 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 gives us 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 hoping to hire global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Potomac, MD. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.