Burlington, NC H-1B Visas Explained
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa permits foreign citizens in particular job industries to work in Burlington, NC 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 highly-specialized industry such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any profession where the employer can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could potentially fit. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it have the option to be extended up to six years or longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing 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 Burlington, NC employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Burlington, NC?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Burlington, NC) to qualify. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and need not obtain a visa stamp at a consulate ahead of time, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Much like H-1B visas, Burlington, NC TN visa holders are eligible to change to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Burlington, NC?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, sometimes vague system. An H-1B visa attorney in Burlington, NC can assist you with this system and achieve a great result.
Visa Cap Limitations - One of the most difficult challenges that North Carolina applicants must meet 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, with 20,000 additional visas issued through 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.
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 Burlington, NC can help you prepare your application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Deadlines - Registration for H-1B visa application is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Burlington, NC, they are familiar with this process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they normally will hire North Carolina corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Timeliness and accuracy are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Almost each and every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced immigration attorney in Burlington, NC can assist you with those adjustments to ensure that your registration and application are filled out properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Burlington, NC Can Do
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced Burlington, NC TN visa lawyer can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - Burlington, NC TN visa attorneys can assess your or your potential new hire's qualifications and information to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa attorney in Burlington, NC can help you remain current with potential policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Burlington, NC employment and immigration laws, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, documenting wages and job duties, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and many more obligations. Your Burlington visa lawyers can coach the necessary staff to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Burlington, NC
Whether you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Burlington, NC, the process can be complicated and taxing. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Burlington, NC is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation correlated with each. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Burlington, NC can aid in your specific situation, including bringing dependents or other immediate relatives with you to North Carolina.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Burlington, NC?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and went through multiple immigration processes herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Burlington, North Carolina, who have global expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach 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 hoping to hire global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Burlington, NC. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.