H-1B Visas for Temporary Work in West Chester, PA
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized fields of work to work for a finiteamount of time in West Chester, PA and the United States in general. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialized profession such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any professional field where employers can show a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could be eligible. H-1B visas are initially three years long but have the option to be extended up to six years and even longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (known as a green card) via sponsorship through their West Chester, PA job and eventually apply for citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in West Chester, PA?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in West Chester, PA) in order to qualify. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Much like H-1B visas, those with a TN visa in West Chester, PA can choose to change to a green card if certain requirements are met.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in West Chester, PA?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, often convoluted system. West Chester, PA H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Caps - 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. With a limited number of visas available, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right 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. An H-1B visa attorney in West Chester, PA can assist you in preparing your visa application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Dates To Remember - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in West Chester, PA is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates commonly look to Pennsylvania corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Precision and timeliness are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and track time limits on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. A knowledgeable, skilled West Chester, PA immigration attorney can help you understand those policy changes so your registration and application are filed on time and completely.
How a TN Visa Attorney in West Chester, PA Can Help You
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced TN visa attorney in West Chester, PA can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in West Chester, PA can analyze your or your potential new employee's information and qualifications 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 ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa lawyer in West Chester, PA can help you remain current with changes in policy and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in West Chester, PA which means staying current with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. West Chester visa lawyers from our team can coach the necessary staff to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in West Chester, PA
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for a TN or H-1B visa to work in West Chester, PA, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in West Chester, PA is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you work through the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork correlated with each. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in West Chester, PA can help with your individual situation, such as bringing spouse and children or other immediate relatives with you to Pennsylvania.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in West Chester, PA
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she immigrated to the USA and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in West Chester, PA, and throughout, who possess international expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. 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 hoping to hire global talent, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all H-1B and TN visas in West Chester, PA. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.