H-1B Visas in Benton, PA: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized areas of employment to temporarily work and live in Benton and the entire United States. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a highly-specialized industry like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any professional field where the employer can prove it is required to have a bachelor's degree could be eligible. H-1B visas are initially three years long but may be extended up to six years and even longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Often, an H-1B is the first application individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also called a green card) sponsored by their Benton, PA employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Benton, PA?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Benton, PA). Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and need not obtain a visa stamp at a consulate ahead of time, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, Benton, PA TN visa holders are eligible to shift to a green card if they are qualified.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Benton, PA Can Help You
H-1B visas could seem simple but require navigating a complex, potentially convoluted process. Benton, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The main challenge Pennsylvania applicants must overcome is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate information.
For the 2023 fiscal year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received 758,994 eligible H-1B registrations and selected 188,400 to apply for only 65,000 visas. An H-1B visa attorney in Benton, PA can assist you in preparing your visa application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Deadlines - 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. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Benton, PA, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates often 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 critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and manage deadlines for you.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Practically every single year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced immigration attorney in Benton, PA can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are prepared completely.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Benton, PA Can Help
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced TN visa attorney in Benton, PA can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - Benton, PA TN visa attorneys can review your or your future employee's education and experience to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Visa Extension - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your TN visa lawyer in Benton, PA can help you stay up to date with any policy changes and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Benton, PA which means staying on top of visa documentation, logging job duties and wages, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Benton visa lawyers from our team can ensure your team is trained and prepared 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 Benton, PA
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Benton, PA, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Benton, PA is experienced in the complications of each visa and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that are associated with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Benton, PA can aid in your specific situation, including bringing dependents or other immediate relatives with you to Pennsylvania.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Benton, PA
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she relocated to the U.S. and went through various immigration steps personally! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Benton, PA, and beyond, who have global 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.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Benton, PA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.