H-1B Visas in Elizabeth, PA: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which authorizes foreign nationals in specialized areas of employment to temporarily work and live in Elizabeth and the entire United States. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a highly-specialized industry such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any profession where the hiring company can prove a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement could potentially fit. H-1B visas are good for three years but may be extended up to six years or longer if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (a U.S. green card) sponsored by their Elizabeth, PA employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
Elizabeth, PA TN Visas Explained
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. 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. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Elizabeth, PA. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport 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.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, those with a TN visa in Elizabeth, PA can choose to transition to a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Elizabeth, PA?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but require navigating a complex, sometimes vague system. An H-1B visa attorney in Elizabeth, PA can assist you with this system and gain a desired outcome.
Cap Limitations - One of the most difficult challenges that Pennsylvania applicants must meet is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right information.
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 Elizabeth, PA can help you with preparing your petition to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Dates To Remember - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and once selected, applicants and their employers have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Elizabeth, PA is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Sponsorship by Employers - Busy employers and their HR teams often turn to Pennsylvania corporate immigration lawyers to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this heavily regulated legal system. Accuracy and timeliness are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and track time limits on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Nearly every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. A knowledgeable, skilled Elizabeth, PA immigration attorney can help you understand and navigate the changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out completely.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Elizabeth, PA Can Do
Like H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A knowledgeable Elizabeth, PA TN visa attorney can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Eligibility Determination - A TN visa attorney in Elizabeth, PA can assess your or your potential new hire's information and qualifications to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Visa Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa lawyer in Elizabeth, 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 maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Elizabeth, PA, which means keeping up with visa documentation, logging job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. One of our Elizabeth visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Elizabeth, PA
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa to work in Elizabeth, PA, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may cause your application to be denied.
Elizabeth, PA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are experienced in the complications of each visa and can assist in managing the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork that correspond with each one. Furthermore, Elizabeth, PA immigration lawyers can assist with your unique 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 Elizabeth, PA?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she migrated to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Elizabeth, PA, and beyond, with wide-reaching expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. We also have one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Elizabeth, PA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.