H-1B Visas in Downingtown, PA: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which authorizes foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to work for a finiteamount of time in Downingtown, PA and the United States in general. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a specialized professional field such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any area of work where employers can show a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required might qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years or more if the applicant pursues a green card.
Often, an H-1B is the first application immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (a U.S. green card) via sponsorship through their Downingtown, PA job and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Downingtown, PA: What Are They?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working 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. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Downingtown, PA). 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, but citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Downingtown, PA are able to shift to a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Downingtown, PA?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. An H-1B visa attorney in Downingtown, PA can assist you with this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Pennsylvania applicants encounter 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, and then 20,000 additional visas in the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, 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 Downingtown, PA can help you prepare your application so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Downingtown, PA is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the limited timeframe.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they will frequently turn to Pennsylvania corporate immigration lawyers to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Precision and timeliness are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and due dates on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Almost each and every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. A knowledgeable, skilled Downingtown, PA immigration attorney can help you understand those policy changes so your registration and application are filed on time and completely.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Downingtown, PA Can Help You
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A TN visa lawyer in Downingtown, PA with experience can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Check for Eligibility - Downingtown, PA TN visa attorneys can assess your or your potential new hire's information and qualifications 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 with the necessary documents and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Visa Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Downingtown, PA TN visa attorney can help you remain current with changes in policy 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 Downingtown, PA employment and immigration laws, which means staying on top of visa documentation, recording wages and job assignments, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. Your Downingtown visa lawyers can ensure your team is trained and prepared to stay compliant throughout the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Downingtown, PA
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Downingtown, PA, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Downingtown, PA is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist you in navigating the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines associated with them. Furthermore, Downingtown, PA immigration lawyers can aid in your specific situation, including bringing dependents or close relatives to Pennsylvania with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Downingtown, PA?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she immigrated to the USA and went through multiple immigration processes herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, with worldwide 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 ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Downingtown, PA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.