Mercer, PA H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to work in Mercer, 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 professional field like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any profession 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 may be extended to a total of six years and potentially more if the applicant pursues a green card.
Often, an H-1B is the first application towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Mercer, PA employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
Mercer, PA TN Visas Explained
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Mercer, PA. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the 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.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Similar to H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Mercer, PA are able to apply for a green card if eligible.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Mercer, PA Can Help You With
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in reality, require working through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa lawyer in Mercer, PA can help you work through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Caps - 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, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
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. Mercer, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Application Turnaround Times - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Mercer, PA, they are familiar with this process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the limited timeframe.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly often turn to Pennsylvania corporate immigration lawyers to help put together the entire visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Accuracy and timeliness are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Practically every single year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Mercer, PA can assist you with those adjustments to ensure that your registration and application are filled out accurately.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Mercer, PA Can Do
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A TN visa lawyer in Mercer, PA with experience can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Mercer, PA can assess your or your potential new hire's information and qualifications to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Visa Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Mercer, PA TN visa lawyer can help keep you updated with changes in policy and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Mercer, PA employment and immigration laws, which means keeping up with visa documentation, properly document job duties and wages, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional obligations. One of our Mercer 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 Mercer, PA
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Mercer, PA, the process can be complicated and taxing. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Mercer, PA is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you work through the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation associated with them. Furthermore, Mercer, PA immigration lawyers can assist with your unique situation, which include additional dependents or other immediate relatives with you to Pennsylvania.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Mercer, 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 went through various immigration steps personally! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Mercer, PA, and beyond, with wide-reaching expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. That's 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 hoping to hire global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with all H-1B and TN visas in Mercer, PA. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.