Cayce, SC H-1B Visas Explained
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that authorizes foreign nationals in specialized areas of employment to work in Cayce, SC and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a specialized professional field such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any profession where employers can show a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required may qualify. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it have the option to be extended up to six years and even longer if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Cayce, SC employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Cayce, SC?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Cayce, SC) in order to qualify. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, 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 for three-year periods at a time. Similar to H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Cayce, SC can apply for a green card if eligible.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Cayce, SC?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but require navigating a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. An H-1B visa attorney in Cayce, SC can assist you with this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Caps - The biggest hurdle South Carolina applicants encounter is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, your paperwork must be without errors and submitted correctly.
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 Cayce, SC can help you with preparing your petition and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Turnaround Times - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Cayce, SC is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the limited timeframe.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly commonly look to South Carolina corporate immigration attorneys to help put together the entire visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Accuracy and punctuality are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Just about each year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. A knowledgeable, skilled Cayce, SC immigration attorney can help you understand and navigate the changes to make sure your registration and application are finalized accurately.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Cayce, SC 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 TN visa lawyer in Cayce, SC with experience can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Cayce, SC can analyze your or your potential new employee's information and qualifications to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. 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 - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your TN visa attorney in Cayce, SC can help you remain current with potential policy changes and the information needed to renew your visa. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Cayce, SC which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, logging job duties and wages, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and many more obligations. Your Cayce visa lawyers can prepare and train relevant staff to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Cayce, SC
Whether you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Cayce, SC, the process can be complicated and taxing. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may cause your application to be denied.
Cayce, SC H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can assist in managing the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that correspond with each one. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Cayce, SC can adjust to special circumstances, especially if you need to bring dependents or members of your family to South Carolina with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Cayce, SC?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she migrated to the United States and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Cayce, SC, and throughout, who possess international expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our proactive perspective means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* Whether you’re looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA or an employer seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Cayce, SC. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.