Philadelphia, PA H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that authorizes foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to work for a finiteamount of time in Philadelphia, PA and the United States in general. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a highly-specialized industry such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any professional field where that the employer can demonstrate that a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required may qualify. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it may be extended up to six years and potentially more if the applicant pursues a green card.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (known as a green card) as sponsored by their Philadelphia, PA job and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Philadelphia, PA?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. 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 Philadelphia, PA. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport 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.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Like H-1B visa applicants, TN visa holders in Philadelphia, PA can change to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA Can Help You
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can help you work through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Pennsylvania applicants encounter 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, 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, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
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. Philadelphia, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Deadlines - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and once selected, applicants and their employers only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. An H-1B attorney in Philadelphia, PA is well-versed in the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams normally will hire Pennsylvania corporate immigration attorneys to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this highly-regulated legal process. Precision and timeliness are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and deadlines on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Almost each and every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Philadelphia, PA can help you understand those policy changes to make sure your registration and application are prepared completely.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Philadelphia, PA Can Help You
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. A knowledgeable Philadelphia, PA TN visa attorney can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can analyze your or your potential new employee's information and qualifications to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Visa Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa attorney in Philadelphia, PA can help you remain current with potential policy changes and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - The duty for Philadelphia, PA immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying on top of visa documentation, logging job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Your Philadelphia visa lawyers can prepare and train relevant staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Philadelphia, PA
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa to work in Philadelphia, 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.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Philadelphia, PA is experienced in the complications of each visa and can assist in managing the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries associated with them. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Philadelphia, PA can assist with your unique situation, including bringing dependents or members of your family to Pennsylvania with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she moved to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who possess international expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
We take a proactive approach, which means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. 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 who wants to tap into the global talent pool, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Philadelphia, PA. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.