Elgin, 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 Elgin, SC 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 professional specialty like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any profession where the hiring company can prove a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement might qualify. H-1B visas are good for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years or more if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Often, an H-1B is the first application immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also called a green card) as sponsored by their Elgin, SC job and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Elgin, SC?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Elgin, SC) to qualify. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and need not obtain a visa stamp at a consulate ahead of time, but citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, Elgin, SC TN visa holders are eligible to apply for a green card if certain requirements are met.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Elgin, SC Can Help You
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but require navigating a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. Elgin, SC H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the most difficult challenges that South Carolina applicants must meet 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, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, 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 attorney in Elgin, SC can assist you in preparing your visa application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Application Turnaround Times - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. An H-1B attorney in Elgin, SC is well-versed in the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the fast process.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates commonly look to South Carolina corporate immigration attorneys to help put together the entire visa application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Timeliness and accuracy are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Changing Policies - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. A knowledgeable, skilled Elgin, SC immigration attorney can help you understand and navigate the changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out completely.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Elgin, SC
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A TN visa lawyer in Elgin, SC with experience can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Review Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Elgin, SC can analyze your or your potential new employee's information and qualifications to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Extensions - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa attorney in Elgin, SC can help ensure you remain updated with potential policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Elgin, SC which means staying on top of visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional obligations. Elgin visa lawyers from our team can coach the necessary staff to maintain compliance throughout the petition and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Elgin, SC
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Elgin, SC, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Elgin, SC is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type 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 Elgin, SC can aid in your specific situation, such as bringing spouse and children or other immediate relatives with you to South Carolina.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Elgin, SC?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is intimately familiar with the United States 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 Elgin, SC, and throughout, who possess international expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our forward-thinking attitude means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with your TN and H-1B visa needs in Elgin, SC. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.