Understanding H-1B Visas in Ithaca, NY
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in specialized areas of employment to temporarily work in Ithaca, NY and the rest of the United States. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a highly-specialized industry such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any line of work where the hiring company can prove a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement could potentially fit. H-1B visas are good for three years but may be extended up to six years or more if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Ithaca, NY employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Ithaca, NY: What Are They?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Ithaca, NY) to qualify. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the consulate ahead of time, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Ithaca, NY can apply for a green card if certain requirements are met.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Ithaca, NY?
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but actually require you to go through a complex, sometimes vague system. Ithaca, NY H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and achieve a great result.
Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle New York applicants encounter is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with an additional 20,000 visas available under 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.
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 attorney in Ithaca, NY can assist you in preparing your visa application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Turnaround Times - 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 just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Ithaca, NY is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates normally will hire New York corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Accuracy and punctuality are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Just about each year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Ithaca, NY can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are finalized completely.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Ithaca, NY Can Do
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced TN visa attorney in Ithaca, NY can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - Ithaca, NY TN visa attorneys can analyze your or your potential new 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 ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Renewal - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your Ithaca, NY TN visa attorney can help you remain current with changing policies and the information needed to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Ithaca, NY which means staying current with visa paperwork, logging job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, along with other requirements. Ithaca visa lawyers from our team can ensure your team is trained and prepared to stay compliant throughout the process and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Ithaca, NY
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Ithaca, NY, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can cause it to be denied outright.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Ithaca, NY is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you work through the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork correlated with each. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Ithaca, NY can adjust to special circumstances, including bringing dependents or members of your family to New York with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Ithaca, NY
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she moved to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Ithaca, New York and beyond, who have global expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our proactive perspective has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. That gives us one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Ithaca, NY. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.