Edina, MN H-1B Visas Explained
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized fields of work to work in Edina, MN and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a professional specialty such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any profession where that the employer can demonstrate that a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could potentially fit. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years or longer 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. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (known as a green card) sponsored by their Edina, MN employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Edina, MN?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Edina, MN) in order to qualify. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the consulate ahead of time, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Like H-1B visa applicants, Edina, MN TN visa holders are eligible to shift to a green card if eligible.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Edina, MN Can Help You
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but actually require you to go through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa attorney in Edina, MN can assist you with this system and gain a desired outcome.
Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Minnesota applicants encounter is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, your paperwork must be without errors and submitted correctly.
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 Edina, MN can help you with preparing your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration for H-1B visa application is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. An H-1B attorney in Edina, MN is well-versed in the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the fast process.
Employer Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams normally will hire Minnesota corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Precision and timeliness are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Practically every single year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. An experienced immigration attorney in Edina, MN can help you navigate those shifts to ensure that your registration and application are filled out completely.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Edina, MN
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced Edina, MN TN visa lawyer can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - A TN visa attorney in Edina, MN can assess your or your potential new hire's educational background and experience to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Extensions - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Edina, MN TN visa lawyer can help you remain current with any policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Edina, MN, which means staying on top of visa documentation, properly document job duties and wages, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Edina visa lawyers from our team can ensure your team is trained and prepared to maintain compliance throughout the petition and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Edina, MN
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Edina, MN, the process can be complicated and taxing. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application can result in automatic denial.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Edina, MN is experienced in the complications of each visa and can help you work through the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines that correspond with each one. Furthermore, Edina, MN immigration lawyers can aid in your specific situation, such as bringing spouse and children or other immediate relatives with you to Minnesota.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Edina, MN
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and went through various immigration steps personally! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Edina, Minnesota, who have global expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
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 attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer hoping to hire global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Edina, MN. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.