Barnstable, MA H-1B Visas Explained
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which permits foreign citizens in specialized fields of work to temporarily work in Barnstable, MA and the rest of the United States. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a professional specialty such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any profession where employers can show it is required to have a bachelor's degree might qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but can be extended to a six-year maximum or more if the applicant pursues a green card.
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 (also known as a green card) sponsored by their Barnstable, MA employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas in Barnstable, MA: What Are They?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Barnstable, MA. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Barnstable, MA can transition to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Barnstable, MA?
H-1B visas could seem simple but in reality, require working through a complex, often convoluted system. An H-1B visa lawyer in Barnstable, MA can help you work through this system and gain a desired outcome.
Cap Limitations - One of the biggest obstacles that Massachusetts applicants face is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. 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 H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
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 attorney in Barnstable, MA can assist you in preparing your visa application so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Application Deadlines - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and once selected, applicants and their employers only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Barnstable, MA, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the short turnaround time.
Sponsorship by Employers - Employers have a lot to manage, so they commonly look to Massachusetts corporate immigration attorneys to help put together the entire visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Timeliness and accuracy are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Almost each and every year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. A knowledgeable, skilled Barnstable, MA immigration attorney can help you navigate those shifts to ensure that your registration and application are filled out completely.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Barnstable, MA Can Do
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. An experienced TN visa attorney in Barnstable, MA can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Barnstable, MA can assess your or your potential new hire's information and qualifications to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Extensions - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa lawyer in Barnstable, MA can help you remain current with potential policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Barnstable, MA which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, along with other requirements. Your Barnstable visa attorneys can train and prepare your staff members to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Barnstable, MA
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Barnstable, MA, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Barnstable, MA is experienced in the complications of each visa and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that are associated with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Barnstable, MA can aid in your specific situation, which include additional dependents or close relatives to Massachusetts with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Barnstable, MA
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she moved to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Barnstable, MA, and beyond, who possess international expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our forward-thinking attitude 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 hoping to hire global talent, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Barnstable, MA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.