St. Clair Shores, MI H-1B Visas Explained
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in particular job industries to temporarily work and live in St. Clair Shores and the entire United States. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a highly-specialized industry such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any line of work where employers can show a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required may qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but can be extended to a six-year maximum and even longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (known as a green card) via sponsorship through their St. Clair Shores, MI job and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
TN Visas in St. Clair Shores, MI: What Are They?
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. 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 St. Clair Shores, 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 citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in St. Clair Shores, MI can transition to a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in St. Clair Shores, MI?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa lawyer in St. Clair Shores, MI can help you work through this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Caps - The main challenge Michigan applicants must overcome is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, and then 20,000 additional visas in the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, 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. An H-1B visa lawyer in St. Clair Shores, MI can help you prepare your application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Dates To Remember - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. An H-1B attorney in St. Clair Shores, MI is well-versed in the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Visa 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 legal process that involves many regulations. Timeliness and accuracy are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. A knowledgeable, skilled St. Clair Shores, MI immigration attorney can help you understand those policy changes to make sure your registration and application are finalized properly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in St. Clair Shores, MI
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced St. Clair Shores, MI TN visa lawyer can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in St. Clair Shores, MI can review your or your future employee's educational background and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Visa Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa attorney in St. Clair Shores, MI can help you remain current with potential policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in St. Clair Shores, MI which means keeping up with visa documentation, recording wages and job assignments, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional obligations. St. Clair Shores visa lawyers from our team can ensure your team is trained and prepared to stay compliant throughout the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in St. Clair Shores, MI?
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in St. Clair Shores, MI, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application can result in automatic denial.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in St. Clair Shores, MI is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you understand the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork that correspond with each one. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in St. Clair Shores, MI can help with your individual situation, including bringing dependents or close relatives to Michigan with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in St. Clair Shores, MI?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she migrated to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in St. Clair Shores, MI, and beyond, with worldwide expertise and together, they have 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. That gives us 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 ready to hire the best global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in St. Clair Shores, MI. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.