Understanding H-1B Visas in Pittsburgh, PA
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa permits foreign citizens in certain specialized careers to temporarily work in Pittsburgh, PA and the rest of the United States. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a specialized professional field including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any profession where employers can show it is required to have a bachelor's degree might qualify. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it have the option to be extended up to six years or more if the employee applies for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also called a green card) sponsored by their Pittsburgh, PA employer and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Pittsburgh, PA
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Pittsburgh, PA) in order to qualify. 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, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Similar to H-1B visas, Pittsburgh, PA TN visa holders are eligible to transition to a green card if certain requirements are met.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA Can Help You
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in reality, require working through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa attorney in Pittsburgh, PA can assist you with this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Caps - The biggest hurdle Pennsylvania applicants encounter is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through 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.
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. Pittsburgh, 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.
Dates To Remember - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the fast process.
Sponsorship by Employers - Employers have a lot to manage, so they often turn to Pennsylvania corporate immigration lawyers to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Precision and timeliness are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Nearly every year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Pittsburgh, PA can help you understand and navigate the changes so your registration and application are filed on time and correctly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Pittsburgh, PA Can Help You
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA with experience can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - Pittsburgh, PA TN visa attorneys can assess your or your potential new hire's qualifications and information to determine their eligibility 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 Pittsburgh, PA TN visa lawyer can help ensure you remain updated with potential policy changes and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance - The duty for Pittsburgh, PA immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying on top of visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, along with other requirements. Your Pittsburgh visa lawyers can prepare and train relevant staff to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Pittsburgh, PA
Whether you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Pittsburgh, PA, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist you in navigating the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries that correspond with each one. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Pittsburgh, PA can aid in your specific situation, including bringing dependents and immediate family members to Pennsylvania with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she moved to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Pittsburgh, PA, and throughout, with wide-reaching expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude 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.* Whether you’re looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA or an employer hoping to hire global talent, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Pittsburgh, PA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.