Understanding H-1B Visas in Everett, MA
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa authorizes foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to work in Everett, MA 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 specialized professional field such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any line of work where the employer can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required may qualify. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it may 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 towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also called a green card) through sponsorship from their Everett, MA employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Everett, MA
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian 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. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Everett, MA) in order to qualify. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, 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. Much like H-1B visas, those with a TN visa in Everett, MA can choose to transition to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Everett, MA?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but require navigating a complex, often convoluted system. An H-1B visa attorney in Everett, MA can assist you with this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Cap Limitations - One of the biggest obstacles that Massachusetts applicants face is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per 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.
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. Everett, MA H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Deadlines - Registration for H-1B visa application is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and then applicants and employers who are selected have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Everett, 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.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams often turn to Massachusetts corporate immigration lawyers to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Timeliness and accuracy are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Practically every single year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Everett, MA can help you understand and navigate the changes so your registration and application are filed on time and correctly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Everett, 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 Everett, MA can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Everett, MA 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 the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your Everett, MA TN visa lawyer can help you remain current with potential policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Everett, MA employment and immigration laws, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Your Everett visa attorneys can ensure your team is trained and prepared 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 Everett, MA?
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Everett, MA, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may lead to your petition being denied.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Everett, MA is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist in managing the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries correlated with each. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Everett, MA can adjust to special circumstances, including bringing dependents and immediate family members to Massachusetts with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Everett, MA?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who intimately understands the immigration process – she moved to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Everett, MA, and throughout, who have global expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach means we have over 20,000 approved cases of 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.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with all H-1B and TN visas in Everett, MA. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.