H-1B Visas in Westborough, MA: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in specialized fields of work to temporarily work in Westborough, MA and the rest of the United States. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a professional specialty such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any professional field where that the employer can demonstrate that a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement could be eligible. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended to a total of six years or longer if the applicant pursues a green card.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (known as a green card) via sponsorship through their Westborough, MA job and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
TN Visas in Westborough, MA: What Are They?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Westborough, MA. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the consulate ahead of time, but citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Similar to H-1B visas, those with a TN visa in Westborough, MA can choose to transition to a green card if certain requirements are met.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Westborough, MA Can Help You With
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, sometimes vague system. Westborough, MA H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Caps - One of the most difficult challenges that Massachusetts applicants must meet 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, with an additional 20,000 visas available under 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.
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. An H-1B visa lawyer in Westborough, MA can help you prepare your application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Westborough, MA, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates normally will hire Massachusetts corporate immigration attorneys to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this heavily regulated legal system. Accuracy and punctuality are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and due dates on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Just about each year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Westborough, MA can help you navigate those shifts so your registration and application are filed on time and correctly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Westborough, MA
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. A TN visa lawyer in Westborough, MA with experience can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - Westborough, MA TN visa attorneys can analyze your or your potential new employee's educational background and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Visa Renewal - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your Westborough, MA TN visa lawyer can help keep you updated with changing policies and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Westborough, MA which means staying current with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Your Westborough visa lawyers can prepare and train relevant staff to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Westborough, MA
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Westborough, MA, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Westborough, MA is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you understand the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork that correspond with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Westborough, MA can adjust to special circumstances, especially if you need to bring dependents and immediate family members to Massachusetts with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Westborough, MA?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she migrated to the United States and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Westborough, Massachusetts, with worldwide expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our hands-on approach means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. That's one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Westborough, MA. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.