Dedham, MA H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to temporarily work and live in Dedham and the entire United States. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a specialized profession including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any profession where that the employer can demonstrate that it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree may qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended to a total of six years and even longer if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining 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 Dedham, MA employer and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
TN Visas in Dedham, MA: What Are They?
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Dedham, MA) to qualify. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Similar to H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Dedham, MA can change to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Dedham, MA?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but require navigating a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. Dedham, MA H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and achieve a great result.
Visa Caps - The main challenge Massachusetts applicants must overcome 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. With a limited number of visas available, 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. An H-1B visa lawyer in Dedham, MA can help you with preparing your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Dedham, MA, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the limited timeframe.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates often turn to Massachusetts corporate immigration lawyers to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Accuracy and timeliness are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. A knowledgeable, skilled Dedham, MA immigration attorney can help you understand those policy changes to make sure your registration and application are finalized properly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Dedham, MA Can Help
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. An experienced TN visa attorney in Dedham, MA can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Dedham, MA can assess your or your potential new hire's educational background and experience to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your Dedham, MA TN visa attorney can help keep you updated with changes in policy and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Dedham, MA which means staying on top of visa documentation, logging job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. One of our Dedham visa lawyers can prepare and train relevant staff to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Dedham, MA?
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa to work in Dedham, MA, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. In addition, mistakes in the application can result in automatic denial.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Dedham, MA is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that correspond with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Dedham, MA can assist with your unique situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or members of your family to Massachusetts with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Dedham, MA?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she migrated to the United States and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Dedham, MA, and beyond, who possess international expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
We take a proactive approach, which means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* Whether you’re looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA or an employer hoping to hire global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Dedham, MA. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.