Aiken, SC H-1B Visas Explained
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in certain specialized careers to temporarily work in Aiken, SC and the rest of the United States. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a specialized professional field including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any professional field where employers can show it is required to have a bachelor's degree might qualify. H-1B visas are good for three years but can be extended to a six-year maximum and potentially more if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also called a green card) sponsored by their Aiken, SC employer and ultimately apply for citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Aiken, SC
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Aiken, SC. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Similar to H-1B visas, Aiken, SC TN visa holders are eligible to transition to a green card if certain requirements are met.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Aiken, SC Can Help You
H-1B visas could seem simple but require navigating a complex, potentially convoluted process. H-1B visa lawyers in Aiken, SC can help you navigate this system and successfully petition your visa.
Cap Limitations - The main challenge South Carolina applicants must overcome is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate 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 lawyer in Aiken, SC can help you prepare your application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Deadlines - Registration for H-1B visa application is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. An H-1B attorney in Aiken, SC is well-versed in the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates often turn to South Carolina corporate immigration lawyers to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Accuracy and timeliness are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and deadlines on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Nearly every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Aiken, SC can help you navigate those shifts to make sure your registration and application are finalized accurately.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Aiken, SC Can Help
Similarly to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced Aiken, SC TN visa lawyer can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Aiken, SC can help review your or your potential employee’s education and experience to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. 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 Renewal - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Aiken, SC TN visa lawyer can help keep you updated with changes in policy and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Aiken, SC, which means staying current with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, along with other requirements. One of our Aiken visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Aiken, SC
Whether you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa to work in Aiken, SC, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. In addition, mistakes in the application may lead to your petition being denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Aiken, SC is experienced in the complications of each visa and can help you work through the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries that correspond with each one. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Aiken, SC can assist with your unique situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or close relatives to South Carolina with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Aiken, SC
Karen Weinstock established 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! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Aiken, South Carolina and beyond, who have global expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our proactive perspective has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. We also have 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 who wants to tap into the global talent pool, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Aiken, SC. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.