Understanding H-1B Visas in Westminster, MD
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in certain specialized careers to work for a finiteamount of time in Westminster, MD and the United States in general. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a professional specialty such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any profession where the employer can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could potentially fit. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years and even longer if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Often, an H-1B is the first application individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also called a green card) sponsored by their Westminster, MD employer and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Westminster, MD?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Westminster, MD. 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.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Much like H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Westminster, MD can shift to a green card if certain requirements are met.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Westminster, MD?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but actually require you to go through a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. H-1B visa lawyers in Westminster, MD can help you navigate this system and achieve a great result.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the biggest obstacles that Maryland applicants face is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate information.
For the 2023 fiscal year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received 758,994 eligible H-1B registrations and selected 188,400 to apply for only 65,000 visas. An H-1B visa lawyer in Westminster, MD can help you prepare your application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Dates To Remember - Registration 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 after being informed of their selection to apply. H-1B lawyers in Westminster, MD have expertise in this application process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the small window of opportunity.
Sponsorship by Employers - 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 regulated, high-stakes legal process. Accuracy and punctuality are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and due dates on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An experienced immigration attorney in Westminster, MD can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are finalized properly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Westminster, MD Can Help
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced Westminster, MD TN visa lawyer can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Eligibility - Westminster, MD TN visa attorneys can assess your or your potential new hire's information and qualifications to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Westminster, MD TN visa lawyer can help you remain current with changes in policy and the information needed to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Westminster, MD which means staying current with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional obligations. Your Westminster visa attorneys can ensure your team is trained and prepared to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Westminster, MD
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa to work in Westminster, MD, the process can be complicated and taxing. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Westminster, MD is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you work through the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation correlated with each. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Westminster, MD can aid in your specific situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or close relatives to Maryland with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Westminster, 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 has navigated a few immigration filings herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Westminster, Maryland and beyond, with worldwide expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach 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.* Whether you're attempting to get a work 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 all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Westminster, MD. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.