Hillsborough, NC H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that authorizes foreign nationals in particular job industries to work in Hillsborough, 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 specialized profession including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any professional field where employers can show a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement could be eligible. H-1B visas are good for three years but can be extended to a six-year maximum or longer if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also called a green card) via sponsorship through their Hillsborough, NC job and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas in Hillsborough, NC: What Are They?
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Hillsborough, NC) to qualify. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the 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 initially valid for three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Similar to H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Hillsborough, NC can shift to a green card if they are qualified.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Hillsborough, NC Can Help You
H-1B visas could seem simple but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, frequently vague bureaucracy. H-1B visa lawyers in Hillsborough, NC can help you navigate this system and achieve a great result.
Visa Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle North Carolina 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 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.
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. Hillsborough, NC H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Dates To Remember - Registration for H-1B visa application is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Hillsborough, NC is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the limited timeframe.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly will frequently turn to North Carolina corporate immigration lawyers to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Accuracy and timeliness are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Policy Changes - Just about each year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An experienced immigration attorney in Hillsborough, NC can assist you with those adjustments to ensure that your registration and application are filled out accurately.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Hillsborough, NC Can Help You
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced Hillsborough, NC TN visa lawyer can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - Hillsborough, NC TN visa attorneys can assess your or your potential new hire's educational background and experience to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Extensions - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa attorney in Hillsborough, NC can help you stay up to date with changes in policy and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - The duty for Hillsborough, NC immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying current with visa paperwork, documenting wages and job duties, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. Your Hillsborough visa attorneys can train and prepare your staff members to stay compliant throughout the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Hillsborough, NC
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Hillsborough, NC, the process can be complicated and taxing. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can cause it to be denied outright.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Hillsborough, NC is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can assist you in navigating the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries that correspond with each one. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Hillsborough, NC can aid in your specific situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or close relatives to North Carolina with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Hillsborough, NC?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and went through multiple immigration processes herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Hillsborough, North Carolina and beyond, with wide-reaching expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
We take a proactive approach, which has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. We also have one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* Whether you’re looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Hillsborough, NC. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.