Salem, MA H-1B Visas Explained
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa authorizes foreign nationals in particular job industries to work in Salem, 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 highly-specialized industry including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any area of work where that the employer can demonstrate that a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement may qualify. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it can be extended to a six-year maximum and potentially more if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining 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 called a green card) as sponsored by their Salem, MA job and ultimately apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Salem, MA: What Are They?
Another type of work visa for 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. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Salem, MA). For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and need not obtain a visa stamp at a consulate ahead of time, but citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Much like H-1B visas, Salem, MA TN visa holders are eligible to change to a green card if certain requirements are met.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Salem, MA Can Help You With
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, frequently vague bureaucracy. Salem, MA H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Caps - The biggest hurdle Massachusetts applicants encounter 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. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right 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. Salem, 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.
Dates To Remember - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Salem, MA is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the fast process.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly 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 critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Almost each and every year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. A knowledgeable, skilled Salem, MA immigration attorney can help you understand those policy changes to make sure your registration and application are finalized accurately.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Salem, MA Can Do
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced TN visa attorney in Salem, MA can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Salem, MA can review your or your future employee's information and qualifications to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. 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 TN visa attorney in Salem, MA can help you stay up to date with potential policy changes and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Salem, MA, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, documenting wages and job duties, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. Salem visa lawyers from our team can coach the necessary staff to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Salem, MA?
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Salem, 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.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Salem, MA is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you understand the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries associated with them. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Salem, MA can assist with your unique situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or close relatives to Massachusetts with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Salem, MA
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she immigrated to the USA and went through various immigration steps personally! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Salem, Massachusetts, who possess international expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
We take a proactive approach, which has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Salem, MA. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.