Understanding H-1B Visas in Bridgeport, PA
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized areas of employment to work in Bridgeport, PA and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a professional specialty like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any area of work where employers can show it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree may qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years and even longer if the applicant pursues a green card.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (known as a green card) via sponsorship through their Bridgeport, PA job and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
Bridgeport, PA TN Visas Explained
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. 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. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Bridgeport, PA) to qualify. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the consulate ahead of time, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, those with a TN visa in Bridgeport, PA can choose to shift to a green card if eligible.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Bridgeport, PA?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but actually require you to go through a complex, sometimes vague system. Bridgeport, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Pennsylvania applicants encounter is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, 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.
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. Bridgeport, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Deadlines - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. H-1B lawyers in Bridgeport, PA have expertise in this application process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the short turnaround time.
Sponsorship by Employers - Employers have a lot to manage, so they often turn to Pennsylvania corporate immigration lawyers to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Accuracy and punctuality are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Nearly every year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Bridgeport, PA can help you understand and navigate the changes to make sure your registration and application are prepared properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Bridgeport, PA Can Do
Like H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. A knowledgeable Bridgeport, PA TN visa attorney can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Eligibility Determination - TN visa lawyers in Bridgeport, PA can analyze your or your potential new employee's qualifications and information 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 a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Renewal - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Bridgeport, PA TN visa attorney can help you stay up to date with potential policy changes and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Bridgeport, PA which means staying on top of visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, along with other requirements. Bridgeport visa lawyers from our team can prepare and train relevant staff to maintain compliance throughout the petition and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Bridgeport, PA
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Bridgeport, PA, the process can be complicated and taxing. 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 Bridgeport, PA is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can help you understand the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines that correspond with each one. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Bridgeport, PA can help with your individual situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or other immediate relatives with you to Pennsylvania.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Bridgeport, PA?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she migrated to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania, who have global expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. 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 ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Bridgeport, PA. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.