H-1B Visas in Scranton, PA: What Are They?
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that authorizes foreign nationals in particular job industries to work in Scranton, 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 specialized profession such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any area of work where employers can show a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement could be eligible. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended up to six years or longer if the applicant pursues a green card.
Often, an H-1B is the first application individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also called a green card) sponsored by their Scranton, PA employer and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
TN Visas in Scranton, PA: What Are They?
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Scranton, PA). Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Much like H-1B visas, those with a TN visa in Scranton, PA can choose to shift to a green card if they are qualified.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Scranton, PA Can Help You
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but actually require you to go through a complex, potentially convoluted process. Scranton, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Cap Limitations - One of the biggest obstacles that Pennsylvania applicants face is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, and then 20,000 additional visas in the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, your paperwork must be without errors and submitted correctly.
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. An H-1B visa lawyer in Scranton, PA can help you prepare your application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Dates To Remember - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and then applicants and employers who are selected have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Scranton, PA, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the fast process.
Employer Visa 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 legal process that involves many regulations. Accuracy and timeliness are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and track time limits on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Just about each year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An experienced immigration attorney in Scranton, PA can help you understand those policy changes so your registration and application are filed on time and correctly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Scranton, PA
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Scranton, PA with experience can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - Scranton, PA TN visa attorneys can review your or your future employee's qualifications and information to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. 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 - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Scranton, PA TN visa attorney can help you remain current with changing policies 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 Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Scranton, PA, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. One of our Scranton 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 Scranton, PA
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa to work in Scranton, PA, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can cause it to be denied outright.
Scranton, PA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can assist you in navigating the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines associated with them. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Scranton, PA can assist with your unique situation, especially if you need to bring dependents and immediate family members to Pennsylvania with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Scranton, PA?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she immigrated to the USA and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Scranton, PA, and throughout, with wide-reaching expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. That gives us one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States or an employer seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with your TN and H-1B visa needs in Scranton, PA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.