Understanding H-1B Visas in Norristown, PA
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in specialized areas of employment to work in Norristown, PA and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a highly-specialized industry such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any line of work where that the employer can demonstrate that it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree could potentially fit. 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 pursues a green card.
Often, an H-1B is the first application individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (known as a green card) as sponsored by their Norristown, PA job and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Norristown, PA: What Are They?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is 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: Norristown, PA) to qualify. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Much like H-1B visas, Norristown, PA TN visa holders are eligible to change to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Norristown, PA?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa attorney in Norristown, PA can assist you with this system and achieve a great result.
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 current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right information.
For the 2023 fiscal year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received 758,994 eligible H-1B registrations and selected 188,400 to apply for only 65,000 visas. An H-1B visa lawyer in Norristown, PA can help you with preparing your petition and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Deadlines - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. An H-1B attorney in Norristown, PA is well-versed in the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the limited timeframe.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly often turn to Pennsylvania corporate immigration lawyers to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Precision and timeliness are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and due dates on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. A knowledgeable, skilled Norristown, PA immigration attorney can help you understand and navigate the changes to make sure your registration and application are finalized correctly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Norristown, PA
Like H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced TN visa attorney in Norristown, PA can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Norristown, PA can help review your or your potential employee’s education and experience to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Norristown, PA TN visa lawyer can help ensure you remain updated with changes in policy and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Norristown, PA employment and immigration laws, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Norristown visa lawyers from our team can coach the necessary staff to maintain compliance throughout the petition and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Norristown, PA
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for an H-1B or TN visa to work in Norristown, PA, the process can be complicated and taxing. In addition, mistakes in the application may cause your application to be denied.
Norristown, PA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you work through the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that correspond with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Norristown, PA can aid in your specific situation, such as bringing spouse and children or close relatives to Pennsylvania with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Norristown, PA
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she relocated to the U.S. and went through several immigration procedures herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Norristown, Pennsylvania and beyond, with worldwide expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. That's 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 ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all H-1B and TN visas in Norristown, PA. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.