H-1B Visas for Temporary Work in Portland, PA
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa authorizes foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to work in Portland, PA and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a professional specialty like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any line of work where that the employer can demonstrate that it is required to have a bachelor's degree may qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended up to six years and even longer if the applicant pursues a green card.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (also known as a green card) sponsored by their Portland, PA employer and ultimately apply for citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Portland, PA?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Portland, PA. 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 Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, those with a TN visa in Portland, PA can choose to transition to a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Portland, PA?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but require navigating a complex, potentially convoluted process. Portland, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Caps - One of the biggest obstacles that Pennsylvania applicants face is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, and then 20,000 additional visas in the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate 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 Portland, PA can help you prepare your application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Dates To Remember - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Portland, PA is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they will frequently turn to Pennsylvania corporate immigration lawyers to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Precision and timeliness are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An experienced immigration attorney in Portland, PA can help you understand those policy changes to make sure your registration and application are prepared properly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Portland, PA Can Help You
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced TN visa attorney in Portland, PA can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - A TN visa attorney in Portland, PA can assess your or your potential new hire's qualifications and information to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Extensions - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your TN visa lawyer in Portland, PA can help you remain current with any policy changes and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Portland, PA which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. One of our Portland visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Portland, PA
Whether you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Portland, PA, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may cause your application to be denied.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Portland, PA is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist you in navigating the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork correlated with each. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Portland, PA can aid in your specific situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or close relatives to Pennsylvania with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Portland, PA
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she moved to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Portland, PA, and beyond, with worldwide expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude 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.* Whether you're attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer hoping to hire global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Portland, PA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.