Understanding H-1B Visas in Somerville, MA
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which permits foreign citizens in specialized areas of employment to work in Somerville, MA and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a specialized professional field like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any line of work where employers can show it is required to have a bachelor's degree might 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 applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Somerville, MA employer and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Somerville, MA?
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. 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 Somerville, MA). Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Somerville, MA can transition to a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Somerville, MA?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, sometimes vague system. An H-1B visa attorney in Somerville, MA can assist you with this system and gain a desired outcome.
Visa Caps - The main challenge Massachusetts applicants must overcome is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. 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 visas are severely limited and many apply, 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. Somerville, 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 routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. An H-1B attorney in Somerville, MA is well-versed in the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Sponsorship by Employers - Busy employers and their HR teams often turn to Massachusetts corporate immigration lawyers to assist the employer with preparing 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 keep track of essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Somerville, MA can help you understand and navigate the changes so your registration and application are filed on time and properly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Somerville, MA Can Help
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced TN visa attorney in Somerville, MA can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - Somerville, MA TN visa attorneys can review your or your future employee's information and qualifications to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Visa Extension - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Somerville, MA TN visa attorney can help you remain current with changes in policy and the guidance you need for visa renewal. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Somerville, MA which means staying on top of visa documentation, recording wages and job assignments, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional obligations. Somerville visa lawyers from our team can prepare and train relevant staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and minimize the chances of a government audit.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Somerville, MA
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Somerville, MA, the process can be complicated and taxing. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may lead to your petition being denied.
Somerville, MA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you understand the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork correlated with each. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Somerville, MA can help with your individual situation, especially if you need to bring dependents and immediate family members to Massachusetts with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Somerville, MA
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she moved to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Somerville, Massachusetts, with worldwide expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude 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 hoping to hire global talent, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Somerville, MA. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.