H-1B Visas in O'Fallon, MO: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized fields of work to work in O'Fallon, MO 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 professional specialty like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any line of work where that the employer can demonstrate that it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree may qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years and even longer if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining 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 (known as a green card) through sponsorship from their O'Fallon, MO employer and ultimately apply for citizenship.
O'Fallon, MO TN Visas Explained
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in O'Fallon, MO. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Much like H-1B visas, TN visa holders in O'Fallon, MO can apply for a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in O'Fallon, MO Can Help You With
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but actually require you to go through a complex, sometimes vague system. H-1B visa lawyers in O'Fallon, MO can help you navigate this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - One of the most difficult challenges that Missouri applicants must meet is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, your paperwork must be without errors and submitted correctly.
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 attorney in O'Fallon, MO can assist you in preparing your visa application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Deadlines - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. An H-1B attorney in O'Fallon, MO is well-versed in the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the limited timeframe.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they commonly look to Missouri corporate immigration attorneys to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Timeliness and accuracy are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Changing Policies - Practically every single year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced O'Fallon, MO immigration lawyer can assist you with those adjustments so your registration and application are filed on time and accurately.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in O'Fallon, MO
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced O'Fallon, MO TN visa lawyer can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Check for Eligibility - O'Fallon, MO TN visa attorneys can review your or your future employee's information and qualifications to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Extensions - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa attorney in O'Fallon, MO can help you remain current with potential policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Legal Compliance - The duty for O'Fallon, MO immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying on top of visa documentation, recording wages and job assignments, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Your O'Fallon visa lawyers can coach the necessary staff to maintain compliance throughout the petition and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in O'Fallon, MO
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for an H-1B or TN visa to work in O'Fallon, MO, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. In addition, mistakes in the application can cause it to be denied outright.
O'Fallon, MO H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist in managing the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries associated with them. Furthermore, O'Fallon, MO immigration lawyers can adjust to special circumstances, which include additional dependents and immediate family members to Missouri with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in O'Fallon, MO?
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 several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in O'Fallon, MO, and throughout, who possess international 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. That gives us one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* Whether you're attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your H-1B and TN visa needs in O'Fallon, MO. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.