H-1B Visas in Wakefield, RI: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which authorizes foreign nationals in particular job industries to work in Wakefield, RI and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a highly-specialized industry like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any line of work where the employer can prove it is required to have a bachelor's degree could be eligible. H-1B visas are good for three years but may be extended to a total of six years or more if the applicant pursues a green card.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (a U.S. green card) via sponsorship through their Wakefield, RI job and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Wakefield, RI
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Wakefield, RI) in order to qualify. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Wakefield, RI can shift to a green card if they are qualified.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Wakefield, RI Can Help You
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but require navigating a complex, often convoluted system. Wakefield, RI H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and gain a desired outcome.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the most difficult challenges that Rhode Island applicants must meet is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The annual cap is currently 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 imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right information.
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 Wakefield, RI 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 normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. An H-1B attorney in Wakefield, RI is well-versed in the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they commonly look to Rhode Island corporate immigration attorneys to help put together the entire visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Timeliness and accuracy are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and due dates on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced Wakefield, RI immigration lawyer can help you understand those policy changes to make sure your registration and application are prepared properly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Wakefield, RI Can Help You
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. A knowledgeable Wakefield, RI TN visa attorney can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Wakefield, RI can review your or your future employee's education and experience to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Visa Extension - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your TN visa lawyer in Wakefield, RI can help ensure you remain updated 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 ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Compliance Requirements - The duty for Wakefield, RI immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, documenting wages and job duties, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Your Wakefield visa lawyers can coach the necessary staff to stay compliant throughout the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Wakefield, RI
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Wakefield, RI, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may lead to your petition being denied.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Wakefield, RI is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that are associated with each one. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Wakefield, RI can help with your individual situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or members of your family to Rhode Island with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Wakefield, RI
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who understands the immigration procedures deeply – she relocated to the U.S. and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Wakefield, RI, and beyond, who possess international expertise and boasts a combined 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. We also have 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 who wants to tap into the global talent pool, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all H-1B and TN visas in Wakefield, RI. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.