H-1B Visas in Rockville, MD: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to work in Rockville, 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 such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any area of work where the employer can prove a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement could be eligible. H-1B visas are good for three years but can be extended to a six-year maximum or more 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) as sponsored by their Rockville, MD job and ultimately apply for citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Rockville, MD
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. 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 Rockville, MD). Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and need not obtain a visa stamp at a consulate ahead of time, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Similar to H-1B visas, those with a TN visa in Rockville, MD can choose to transition to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Rockville, MD?
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, sometimes vague system. H-1B visa lawyers in Rockville, MD can help you navigate this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Caps - One of the most difficult challenges that Maryland applicants must meet is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, and then 20,000 additional visas in the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, 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 Rockville, MD can help you prepare your application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Rockville, MD, they are familiar with this process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the limited timeframe.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly often turn to Maryland corporate immigration lawyers to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Accuracy and timeliness 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 - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. An experienced Rockville, MD immigration lawyer can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are prepared properly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Rockville, MD Can Help You
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. A TN visa lawyer in Rockville, MD with experience can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Rockville, MD can analyze your or your potential new employee's qualifications and information to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Visa Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa lawyer in Rockville, MD can help you stay up to date with changes in policy and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Rockville, MD employment and immigration laws, which means staying on top of visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. One of our Rockville visa lawyers can coach the necessary staff to maintain compliance throughout the petition and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Rockville, MD
No matter if you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Rockville, MD, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. In addition, mistakes in the application can result in automatic denial.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Rockville, MD is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you understand the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines that correspond with each one. Furthermore, Rockville, MD immigration lawyers can aid in your specific situation, which include additional dependents or other immediate relatives with you to Maryland.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Rockville, MD?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she relocated to the U.S. and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Rockville, MD, and beyond, with wide-reaching expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Rockville, MD. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.