Ann Arbor, MI H-1B Visas Explained
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in particular job industries to work for a finiteamount of time in Ann Arbor, MI and the United States in general. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a specialized profession such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any area of work where employers can show a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement may qualify. H-1B visas are good for three years but may be extended to a total of six years and even longer if the applicant pursues a green card.
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) through sponsorship from their Ann Arbor, MI employer and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Ann Arbor, MI?
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Ann Arbor, MI. 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 Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Similar to H-1B visas, Ann Arbor, MI TN visa holders are eligible to apply for a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Ann Arbor, MI?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but require navigating a complex, sometimes vague system. An H-1B visa attorney in Ann Arbor, MI can assist you with this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The main challenge Michigan applicants must overcome is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
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 Ann Arbor, MI can help you with preparing your petition so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Application Deadlines - The registration window 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 Ann Arbor, MI is well-versed in the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates will frequently turn to Michigan corporate immigration lawyers to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Accuracy and punctuality are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Just about each year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An experienced immigration attorney in Ann Arbor, MI can assist you with those adjustments so your registration and application are filed on time and properly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Ann Arbor, MI Can Help You
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced Ann Arbor, MI TN visa lawyer can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Ann Arbor, MI can analyze your or your potential new employee's education 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 confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Extensions - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa attorney in Ann Arbor, MI can help you stay up to date with any policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Legal Compliance - The duty for Ann Arbor, MI immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying current with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Your Ann Arbor visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members 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 Ann Arbor, MI?
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for an H-1B or TN visa to work in Ann Arbor, MI, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Ann Arbor, MI is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation associated with them. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Ann Arbor, MI can assist with your unique situation, which include additional dependents and immediate family members to Michigan with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Ann Arbor, MI?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who understands the immigration procedures deeply – she moved to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Ann Arbor, MI, and throughout, 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.* Whether you’re looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Ann Arbor, MI. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.