Athens, PA H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in certain specialized careers to work for a finiteamount of time in Athens, PA and the United States in general. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a specialized professional field including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any profession where the employer can prove it is required to have a bachelor's degree could be eligible. H-1B visas are good for three years but may be extended to a total of six years and potentially more if the employee applies for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (also known as a green card) as sponsored by their Athens, PA job and ultimately apply for citizenship.
Athens, PA TN Visas Explained
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. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Athens, PA) to qualify. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, those with a TN visa in Athens, PA can choose to shift to a green card if eligible.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Athens, PA Can Help You
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but actually require you to go through a complex, often convoluted system. Athens, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Cap Limitations - One of the most difficult challenges that Pennsylvania applicants must meet is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, and then 20,000 additional visas in the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate 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 lawyer in Athens, PA can help you with preparing your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and once selected, applicants and their employers have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Athens, PA is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they will frequently turn to Pennsylvania corporate immigration lawyers to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Precision and timeliness are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and due dates on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Nearly every year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. A knowledgeable, skilled Athens, PA immigration attorney can help you understand and navigate the changes to make sure your registration and application are finalized properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Athens, PA Can Do
Similarly to 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 Athens, PA can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - Athens, PA TN visa attorneys can assess your or your potential new hire's education 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 make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your Athens, PA TN visa lawyer can help you remain current with potential policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert 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 Athens, PA which means staying current with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and many more obligations. Your Athens visa attorneys can prepare and train relevant staff to remain legally compliant during the process and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Athens, PA
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Athens, PA, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Athens, PA 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. Furthermore, Athens, PA immigration lawyers can assist with your unique situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or members of your family to Pennsylvania with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Athens, PA
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who understands the immigration procedures deeply – she moved to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Athens, PA, and throughout, with wide-reaching expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States or an employer seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with all H-1B and TN visas in Athens, PA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.