Bethlehem, PA H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in certain specialized careers to work in Bethlehem, PA and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a specialized professional field like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any line of work where that the employer can demonstrate that it is required to have a bachelor's degree might qualify. H-1B visas are good for three years but may be extended up to six years or more if the applicant pursues a green card.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Bethlehem, PA employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Bethlehem, PA?
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Bethlehem, PA). If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Like H-1B visa applicants, Bethlehem, PA TN visa holders are eligible to shift to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Bethlehem, PA?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, sometimes vague system. An H-1B visa lawyer in Bethlehem, PA can help you work through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Cap Limitations - One of the biggest obstacles that Pennsylvania applicants face is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. 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. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, 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. An H-1B visa lawyer in Bethlehem, PA can help you with preparing your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Deadlines - Registration for H-1B visa application is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and once selected, applicants and their employers only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Bethlehem, PA 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.
Sponsorship by Employers - Employers who want to file correctly will frequently turn to Pennsylvania corporate immigration lawyers to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Accuracy and punctuality are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Nearly every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. A knowledgeable, skilled Bethlehem, PA immigration attorney can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are prepared accurately.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Bethlehem, PA Can Help
Like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Bethlehem, PA with experience can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Bethlehem, PA can analyze your or your potential new employee's qualifications and information to determine their eligibility 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 the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Extensions - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your TN visa attorney in Bethlehem, PA can help you stay up to date with potential policy changes and the information needed to renew your visa. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Bethlehem, PA employment and immigration laws, which means staying current with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Bethlehem visa lawyers from our team can train and prepare your staff members to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Bethlehem, PA
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Bethlehem, PA, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Bethlehem, PA is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you work through the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries associated with them. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Bethlehem, PA can aid in your specific situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or members of your family to Pennsylvania with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Bethlehem, PA?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she relocated to the U.S. and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Bethlehem, PA, and throughout, who possess international expertise and boasts a combined 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. That gives us 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 ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Bethlehem, PA. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.