H-1B Visas in Gaffney, SC: What Are They?
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa allows foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to temporarily work and live in Gaffney and the entire United States. 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 employers can show a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement could potentially fit. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended up to six years and potentially more if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also called a green card) sponsored by their Gaffney, SC employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Gaffney, SC: What Are They?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Gaffney, SC. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, those with a TN visa in Gaffney, SC can choose to change to a green card if they are qualified.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Gaffney, SC Can Help You
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but require navigating a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa lawyer in Gaffney, SC can help you work through this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle South Carolina applicants encounter 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 an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate 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 Gaffney, SC can assist you in preparing your visa application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Dates To Remember - Registration for H-1B visa application is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. H-1B lawyers in Gaffney, SC have expertise in this application process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly normally will hire South Carolina corporate immigration attorneys to help put together the entire visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Accuracy and punctuality are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and track time limits on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Nearly every year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An experienced immigration attorney in Gaffney, SC can help you navigate those shifts to make sure your registration and application are prepared accurately.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Gaffney, SC
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A knowledgeable Gaffney, SC TN visa attorney can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Gaffney, SC can analyze your or your potential new employee's qualifications and information 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 confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Extensions - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Gaffney, SC TN visa lawyer can help ensure you remain updated with any policy changes and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance Requirements - The duty for Gaffney, SC immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Your Gaffney visa attorneys can prepare and train relevant staff to remain legally compliant during the process and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Gaffney, SC?
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Gaffney, SC, the process can be complicated and taxing. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may lead to your petition being denied.
Gaffney, SC H-1B or TN visa attorneys are familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist you in navigating the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation associated with them. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Gaffney, SC can assist with your unique situation, such as bringing spouse and children and immediate family members to South Carolina with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Gaffney, SC?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she moved to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Gaffney, South Carolina, with wide-reaching expertise and a combined over 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.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Gaffney, SC. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.