Groton, MA H-1B Visas Explained
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa allows foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to temporarily work and live in Groton and the entire United States. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a highly-specialized industry such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any professional field where employers can show it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree might qualify. H-1B visas are initially three years long but may be extended up to six years or more if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also known as a green card) via sponsorship through their Groton, MA job and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Groton, MA?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Groton, MA) in order to qualify. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport 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 can be extended for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, Groton, MA TN visa holders are eligible to transition to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Groton, MA Can Help You
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but require navigating a complex, sometimes vague system. An H-1B visa attorney in Groton, MA can assist you with this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Massachusetts applicants encounter is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, 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. Groton, MA H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Groton, MA is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams normally will hire Massachusetts corporate immigration attorneys 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 attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and track time limits on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced immigration attorney in Groton, MA can help you understand and navigate the changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out accurately.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Groton, MA Can Help You
Like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A knowledgeable Groton, MA TN visa attorney can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - A TN visa lawyer in Groton, MA can analyze your or your potential new employee's education and experience to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa lawyer in Groton, MA can help keep you updated with changing policies and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Legal Compliance - The duty for Groton, MA immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, 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 Groton visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Groton, MA
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa to work in Groton, MA, the process can be complicated and taxing. In addition, mistakes in the application can result in automatic denial.
Groton, MA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are experienced in the complications of each visa and can help you work through the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries associated with them. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Groton, MA can aid in your specific situation, including bringing dependents and immediate family members to Massachusetts with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Groton, MA?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she 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 Groton, MA, and throughout, with wide-reaching expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. That gives us one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* 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, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all H-1B and TN visas in Groton, MA. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.