Understanding H-1B Visas in Derry, PA
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to work in Derry, 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 specialized profession such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any area of work where the hiring company can prove it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree could be eligible. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it may be extended up to six years and potentially more if the applicant pursues a green card.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (also called a green card) through sponsorship from their Derry, PA employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
Derry, PA TN Visas Explained
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Derry, 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 valid for three years initially but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Derry, PA are able to shift to a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Derry, PA?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, frequently vague bureaucracy. H-1B visa lawyers in Derry, PA can help you navigate this system and successfully petition your visa.
H-1B Cap Issues - The biggest hurdle Pennsylvania applicants encounter is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported receiving 758,994 eligible registrations in 2023, and selected 188,400 to apply for just 65,000 available H-1B visas. An H-1B visa lawyer in Derry, PA can help you with preparing your petition and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Deadlines - Registration for H-1B visa application is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and once selected, applicants and their employers only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. An H-1B attorney in Derry, PA is well-versed in the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the fast process.
Sponsorship by Employers - Busy employers and their HR teams commonly look to Pennsylvania corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Precision and timeliness are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Nearly every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Derry, PA can help you navigate those shifts to ensure that your registration and application are filled out properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Derry, PA Can Do
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A knowledgeable Derry, PA TN visa attorney can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Derry, PA can help review your or your potential employee’s qualifications and information to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Extensions - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your Derry, PA TN visa lawyer can help you remain current with any policy changes and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Derry, PA which means staying on top of visa documentation, recording wages and job assignments, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Your Derry visa attorneys can prepare and train relevant staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Derry, PA
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Derry, PA, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. In addition, mistakes in the application can cause it to be denied outright.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Derry, PA is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can help you understand the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork that correspond with each one. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Derry, PA can help with your individual situation, which include additional dependents or close relatives to Pennsylvania with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Derry, PA?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and went through various immigration steps personally! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Derry, PA, and throughout, who have global expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. That gives us one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Derry, PA. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.