Understanding H-1B Visas in Silver Spring, MD
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in particular job industries to temporarily work in Silver Spring, MD and the rest of the United States. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a highly-specialized industry such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any profession where the employer can prove it is required to have a bachelor's degree may qualify. H-1B visas are initially three years long but have the option to be extended up to six years and even longer if the employee applies 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 (a U.S. green card) through sponsorship from their Silver Spring, MD employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
Silver Spring, MD TN Visas Explained
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Silver Spring, MD) in order to qualify. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the consulate ahead of time, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, TN visa holders in Silver Spring, MD are able to apply for a green card if certain requirements are met.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Silver Spring, MD Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas could seem simple but actually require you to go through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa lawyer in Silver Spring, MD can help you work through this system and gain a desired outcome.
Cap Limitations - One of the most difficult challenges that Maryland applicants must meet is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The cap is set at 65,000 per government 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. Silver Spring, MD H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Deadlines - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Silver Spring, MD, they are familiar with this process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the short turnaround time.
Required Employer 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 legal process that involves many regulations. Timeliness and accuracy are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced immigration attorney in Silver Spring, MD can help you understand those policy changes so your registration and application are filed on time and correctly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Silver Spring, MD
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Silver Spring, MD with experience can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - Silver Spring, MD TN visa attorneys can assess your or your potential new hire's educational background and experience to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Extensions - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your Silver Spring, MD TN visa lawyer can help keep you updated with potential policy changes and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Visa Compliance - The duty for Silver Spring, MD immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and many more obligations. Silver Spring visa lawyers from our team can coach the necessary staff to maintain compliance throughout the petition and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Silver Spring, MD?
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa to work in Silver Spring, MD, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can result in automatic denial.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Silver Spring, MD is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you understand the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries associated with them. Furthermore, Silver Spring, MD immigration lawyers can aid in your specific situation, 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 Silver Spring, MD
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she relocated to the U.S. and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Silver Spring, Maryland, with worldwide expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
We take a proactive approach, which means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. We also have 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 seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Silver Spring, MD. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.