Westfield, NC H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to work in Westfield, NC and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a professional specialty such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any profession where that the employer can demonstrate that it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree could be eligible. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended to a total of six years or more if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing 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 (also called a green card) through sponsorship from their Westfield, NC employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas in Westfield, NC: What Are They?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Westfield, NC) in order to qualify. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Much like H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Westfield, NC can shift to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Westfield, NC Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, sometimes vague system. An H-1B visa attorney in Westfield, NC can assist you with this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Cap Limitations - The main challenge North Carolina applicants must overcome is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right 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 Westfield, NC can assist you in preparing your visa application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa 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. An H-1B attorney in Westfield, NC is well-versed in the process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates will frequently turn to North Carolina corporate immigration lawyers to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Accuracy and timeliness are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Nearly every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. A knowledgeable, skilled Westfield, NC immigration attorney can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are prepared correctly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Westfield, NC Can Help
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced Westfield, NC TN visa lawyer can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Review Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Westfield, NC can help review your or your potential employee’s qualifications and information to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Extensions - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Westfield, NC TN visa attorney can help keep you updated with potential policy changes and the information needed to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Westfield, NC, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, logging job duties and wages, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and many more obligations. One of our Westfield visa lawyers can ensure your team is trained and prepared to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Westfield, NC
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Westfield, NC, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Westfield, NC is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist you in navigating the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries that are associated with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Westfield, NC can adjust to special circumstances, which include additional dependents or other immediate relatives with you to North Carolina.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Westfield, 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 several immigration procedures herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Westfield, North Carolina and beyond, who have global expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. We also have one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with your TN and H-1B visa needs in Westfield, NC. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.