Understanding H-1B Visas in Houston, PA
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which authorizes foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to temporarily work and live in Houston and the entire United States. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a specialized professional field such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any area of work where that the employer can demonstrate that a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could be eligible. H-1B visas are good for three years but can be extended to a six-year maximum or more if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Houston, PA employer and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
Houston, PA TN Visas Explained
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Houston, PA. 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 go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Much like H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Houston, PA are able to apply for a green card if certain requirements are met.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Houston, PA Can Help You With
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in reality, require working through a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. Houston, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and gain a desired outcome.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the most difficult challenges that Pennsylvania applicants must meet is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right information.
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 attorney in Houston, PA can assist you in preparing your visa application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Dates To Remember - Registration for H-1B visa application is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and once selected, applicants and their employers have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Houston, PA, they are familiar with this process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the fast process.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates normally will hire Pennsylvania corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Accuracy and timeliness are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Practically every single year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced immigration attorney in Houston, PA can help you navigate those shifts so your registration and application are filed on time and correctly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Houston, PA Can Help
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. A knowledgeable Houston, PA TN visa attorney can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Houston, PA can help review your or your potential employee’s educational background 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 assist you with the necessary documents and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Visa Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa lawyer in Houston, PA can help keep you updated with changing policies and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Legal Compliance - The duty for Houston, PA immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying current with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. Your Houston visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the chance of government audits.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Houston, PA
Whether you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Houston, PA, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can cause it to be denied outright.
Houston, PA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you work through the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines that correspond with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Houston, PA can aid in your specific situation, such as bringing spouse and children or members of your family to Pennsylvania with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Houston, PA?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she immigrated to the USA and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Houston, Pennsylvania and beyond, who have global expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
We take a proactive approach, which has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. We also have one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* Whether you're attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Houston, PA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.