Oakland, PA H-1B Visas Explained
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa allows foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to temporarily work and live in Oakland and the entire United States. 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 area of work where the hiring company can prove it is required to have a bachelor's degree could be eligible. H-1B visas are initially three years long but may be extended to a total of six years and even longer if the employee chooses 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 called a green card) sponsored by their Oakland, PA employer and ultimately apply for citizenship.
Oakland, PA TN Visas Explained
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Oakland, PA). If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the consulate ahead of time, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, those with a TN visa in Oakland, PA can choose to apply for a green card if eligible.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Oakland, PA Can Help You
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, frequently vague bureaucracy. An H-1B visa lawyer in Oakland, PA can help you work through this system and achieve a great result.
Visa Cap Limitations - One of the biggest obstacles that Pennsylvania applicants face is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate 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. Oakland, 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.
Application Deadlines - Registration for H-1B visa application 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. H-1B lawyers in Oakland, PA have expertise in this application process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the fast process.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates will frequently turn to Pennsylvania corporate immigration lawyers to help put together the entire visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Precision and timeliness are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Oakland, PA can help you understand and navigate the changes so your registration and application are filed on time and completely.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Oakland, PA Can Help You
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced TN visa attorney in Oakland, PA can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - Oakland, PA TN visa attorneys can analyze your or your potential new employee's education and experience to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Visa Extension - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Oakland, PA TN visa lawyer can help you stay up to date with changes in policy and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Oakland, PA, which means keeping up with visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. Oakland visa lawyers from our team can coach the necessary staff to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Oakland, PA
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa to work in Oakland, PA, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
Oakland, PA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you work through the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork that correspond with each one. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Oakland, PA can help with your individual situation, which include additional dependents and immediate family members to Pennsylvania with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Oakland, PA
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she immigrated to the USA and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Oakland, Pennsylvania and beyond, who possess international expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective means we have over 20,000 approved cases of 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.* Whether you’re looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all H-1B and TN visas in Oakland, PA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.