H-1B Visas in Chester, PA: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in certain specialized careers to temporarily work in Chester, PA and the rest of the United States. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a specialized profession such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any professional field where the employer can prove it is necessary 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 potentially more if the applicant pursues a green card.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (also known as a green card) as sponsored by their Chester, PA job and ultimately apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Chester, PA: What Are They?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. 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: Chester, PA) to qualify. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and need not obtain a visa stamp at a consulate ahead of time, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Similar to H-1B visas, Chester, PA TN visa holders are eligible to apply for a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Chester, PA?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but require navigating a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa lawyer in Chester, PA can help you work through this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Pennsylvania applicants encounter is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right 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 lawyer in Chester, PA can help you prepare your application so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Dates To Remember - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. An H-1B attorney in Chester, PA is well-versed in the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the limited timeframe.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates commonly look to Pennsylvania corporate immigration attorneys to help put together the entire visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Precision and timeliness are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An experienced immigration attorney in Chester, PA can help you navigate those shifts to ensure that your registration and application are filled out correctly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Chester, PA Can Help You
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A knowledgeable Chester, PA TN visa attorney can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - TN visa lawyers in Chester, PA can help review your or your potential employee’s education and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements 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.
Visa Extension - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your TN visa lawyer in Chester, PA can help ensure you remain updated with any policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Chester, PA which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, logging job duties and wages, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. Your Chester visa lawyers can ensure your team is trained and prepared to remain legally compliant during the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Chester, PA
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Chester, PA, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Chester, PA is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can assist you in navigating the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries associated with them. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Chester, PA can help with your individual situation, such as bringing spouse and children or other immediate relatives with you to Pennsylvania.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Chester, PA?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she migrated to the United States and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Chester, PA, and throughout, with wide-reaching 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.* Whether you're attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with your TN and H-1B visa needs in Chester, PA. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.