Understanding H-1B Visas in Washington, PA
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa allows foreign nationals in particular job industries to temporarily work in Washington, PA and the rest of the United States. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a specialized profession such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any profession where employers can show a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could potentially fit. H-1B visas are good for three years but can be extended to a six-year maximum or longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Washington, PA employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Washington, PA
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working 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. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Washington, PA. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and need not obtain a visa stamp at a 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 visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Washington, PA are able to transition to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Washington, PA Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, sometimes vague system. H-1B visa lawyers in Washington, PA can help you navigate this system and gain a desired 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 cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
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. An H-1B visa lawyer in Washington, PA can help you with preparing your petition and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Dates To Remember - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa 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. An H-1B attorney in Washington, PA is well-versed in the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the limited timeframe.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they normally will hire Pennsylvania corporate immigration attorneys to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Timeliness and accuracy are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An experienced immigration attorney in Washington, PA can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are prepared properly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Washington, PA
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced TN visa attorney in Washington, PA can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - A TN visa attorney in Washington, PA can review your or your future employee's information and qualifications to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Visa Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa lawyer in Washington, PA can help you remain current with any policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Washington, PA, which means staying current with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Washington visa lawyers from our team can coach the necessary staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Washington, PA?
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa to work in Washington, PA, the process can be complicated and taxing. In addition, mistakes in the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Washington, PA is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you work through the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines associated with them. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Washington, PA can help with your individual situation, such as bringing spouse and children and immediate family members to Pennsylvania with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Washington, 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! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Washington, Pennsylvania, with worldwide expertise and boasts a combined more than 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 looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Washington, PA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.