Understanding H-1B Visas in Kingston, RI
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized areas of employment to work in Kingston, RI 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 highly-specialized industry such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any professional field where the employer can prove a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement might qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years or longer if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (known as a green card) via sponsorship through their Kingston, RI job and ultimately apply for citizenship.
Kingston, RI TN Visas Explained
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Kingston, RI). 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 obtain a visa stamp.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Similar to H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Kingston, RI are able to change to a green card if certain requirements are met.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Kingston, RI Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but actually require you to go through a complex, often convoluted system. An H-1B visa lawyer in Kingston, RI can help you work through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Caps - The main challenge Rhode Island applicants must overcome is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, 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 Kingston, RI can assist you in preparing your visa application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. H-1B lawyers in Kingston, RI have expertise in this application process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the limited timeframe.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly often turn to Rhode Island corporate immigration lawyers to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Precision and timeliness are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and deadlines on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Kingston, RI can help you understand those policy changes so your registration and application are filed on time and properly.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Kingston, RI Can Help
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Kingston, RI with experience can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Kingston, RI can review your or your future employee's qualifications and information to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Extensions - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Kingston, RI TN visa attorney can help you stay up to date with potential policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Kingston, RI which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, logging job duties and wages, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Your Kingston visa attorneys can ensure your team is trained and prepared to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Kingston, RI
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Kingston, RI, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. In addition, mistakes in the application can result in automatic denial.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Kingston, RI is familiar with the intricacies 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 Kingston, RI can adjust to special circumstances, such as bringing spouse and children or close relatives to Rhode Island with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Kingston, RI?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Kingston, Rhode Island and beyond, who have global expertise and together, they have 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. We also have 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, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Kingston, RI. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.