Understanding H-1B Visas in Hickory, PA
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in specialized fields of work to work for a finiteamount of time in Hickory, PA and the United States in general. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a highly-specialized industry including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any area of work where the employer can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could be eligible. H-1B visas are good for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years and even longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (also known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Hickory, PA employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
Hickory, PA TN Visas Explained
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Hickory, PA) to qualify. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, Hickory, PA TN visa holders are eligible to shift to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Hickory, PA?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa lawyer in Hickory, PA can help you work through this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Caps - The main challenge Pennsylvania applicants must overcome is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, 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. Hickory, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Dates To Remember - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and then applicants and employers who are selected have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Hickory, PA, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Sponsorship by Employers - Employers who already have a lot on their plates often turn to Pennsylvania corporate immigration lawyers to help put together the entire visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Timeliness and accuracy are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Almost each and every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced Hickory, PA immigration lawyer can help you understand and navigate the changes to make sure your registration and application are finalized correctly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Hickory, PA Can Help
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. An experienced Hickory, PA TN visa lawyer can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - Hickory, PA TN visa attorneys can analyze your or your potential new employee's qualifications and information to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Extensions - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa lawyer in Hickory, PA can help you remain current with potential policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Hickory, PA employment and immigration laws, which means staying current with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Your Hickory visa attorneys can ensure your team is trained and prepared to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Hickory, PA
Whether you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Hickory, PA, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Hickory, PA is experienced in the complications of each visa and can assist in managing the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork associated with them. Furthermore, Hickory, PA immigration lawyers can help with your individual situation, which include additional dependents or close relatives to Pennsylvania with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Hickory, PA?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she moved to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Hickory, Pennsylvania, with worldwide expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. 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 seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Hickory, PA. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.