H-1B Visas in Buffalo, NY: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in particular job industries to temporarily work and live in Buffalo and the entire United States. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a highly-specialized industry including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any line of work where that the employer can demonstrate that a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement could be eligible. H-1B visas are initially three years long but can be extended to a six-year maximum or longer if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (known as a green card) sponsored by their Buffalo, NY employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Buffalo, NY?
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. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Buffalo, NY) to qualify. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Much like H-1B visas, Buffalo, NY TN visa holders are eligible to change to a green card if certain requirements are met.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Buffalo, NY?
H-1B visas could seem simple but require navigating a complex, sometimes vague system. Buffalo, NY H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and gain a desired outcome.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the most difficult challenges that New York applicants must meet 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, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, 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. An H-1B visa attorney in Buffalo, NY can assist you in preparing your visa application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Application Turnaround Times - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Buffalo, NY is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the fast process.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly commonly look to New York corporate immigration attorneys to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Accuracy 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.
Policy Changes - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Buffalo, NY can help you navigate those shifts so your registration and application are filed on time and completely.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Buffalo, NY Can Do
Like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced TN visa attorney in Buffalo, NY can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Buffalo, NY can assess your or your potential new hire's educational background and experience to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Visa Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa attorney in Buffalo, NY can help you stay up to date with potential policy changes and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - The duty for Buffalo, NY immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. Your Buffalo visa lawyers can coach the necessary staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Buffalo, NY?
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Buffalo, NY, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may lead to your petition being denied.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Buffalo, NY is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist in managing the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation associated with them. Furthermore, Buffalo, NY immigration lawyers can adjust to special circumstances, especially if you need to bring dependents or other immediate relatives with you to New York.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Buffalo, NY?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she moved to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Buffalo, New York and beyond, who have global expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. 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 who wants to tap into the global talent pool, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Buffalo, NY. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.