Columbia, NJ H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that authorizes foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to work in Columbia, NJ 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 specialized profession such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any area of work where that the employer can demonstrate that it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree could potentially fit. H-1B visas are good for three years but can be extended to a six-year maximum or more if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (a U.S. green card) through sponsorship from their Columbia, NJ employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Columbia, NJ
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Columbia, NJ) to qualify. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and need not obtain a visa stamp at a 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, TN visa holders in Columbia, NJ are able to transition to a green card if certain requirements are met.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Columbia, NJ Can Help You With
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, frequently vague bureaucracy. Columbia, NJ H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and gain a desired outcome.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the biggest obstacles that New Jersey applicants face is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, and then 20,000 additional visas in the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate information.
In 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported receiving 758,994 eligible registrations and selected 188,400 to apply for the 65,000 available visas. Columbia, NJ H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Dates To Remember - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Columbia, NJ is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they often turn to New Jersey corporate immigration lawyers to help put together the entire visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Precision and timeliness are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Changing Policies - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. A knowledgeable, skilled Columbia, NJ immigration attorney can help you understand those policy changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out completely.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Columbia, NJ Can Do
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A TN visa lawyer in Columbia, NJ with experience can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Columbia, NJ can analyze your or your potential new employee's qualifications and information to determine their eligibility 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 the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Visa Extension - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your Columbia, NJ TN visa lawyer can help ensure you remain updated with changing policies and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Columbia, NJ, which means keeping up with visa documentation, logging job duties and wages, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. One of our Columbia visa lawyers can ensure your team is trained and prepared to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Columbia, NJ?
No matter if you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Columbia, NJ, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may cause your application to be denied.
Columbia, NJ H-1B or TN visa attorneys are familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist in managing the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines correlated with each. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Columbia, NJ can aid in your specific situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or other immediate relatives with you to New Jersey.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Columbia, NJ?
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 Columbia, NJ, and beyond, with wide-reaching expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude 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.* 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 all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Columbia, NJ. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.