H-1B Visas in Kinston, NC: What Are They?
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in particular job industries to temporarily work in Kinston, NC and the rest of the United States. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a professional specialty including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any professional field where employers can show a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could be eligible. H-1B visas are good for three years but may be extended up to six years and potentially more if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Often, an H-1B is the first application immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also known as a green card) via sponsorship through their Kinston, NC job and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Kinston, NC
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Kinston, NC. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Much like H-1B visas, Kinston, NC TN visa holders are eligible to apply for a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Kinston, NC?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but require navigating a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. Kinston, NC H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and successfully petition your visa.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the biggest obstacles that North Carolina applicants face 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. With a limited number of visas available, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
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 Kinston, NC can help you prepare your application so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Application Deadlines - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Kinston, NC, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the fast process.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they commonly look to North Carolina corporate immigration attorneys to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Timeliness and accuracy are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Policy Changes - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced Kinston, NC immigration lawyer can help you understand those policy changes to make sure your registration and application are prepared accurately.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Kinston, NC Can Help
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 Kinston, NC TN visa lawyer can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Kinston, NC can assess your or your potential new hire's information and qualifications to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. 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 - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your Kinston, NC TN visa lawyer 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 retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance - The duty for Kinston, NC immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. Your Kinston visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Kinston, NC
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Kinston, NC, the process can be complicated and taxing. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Kinston, NC is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you work through the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries that correspond with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Kinston, NC can assist with your unique situation, including bringing dependents and immediate family members to North Carolina with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Kinston, NC?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she moved to the United States and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Kinston, NC, and throughout, with worldwide expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our hands-on approach has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* Whether you're attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Kinston, NC. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.