H-1B Visas in Jefferson, SC: What Are They?
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in specialized fields of work to temporarily work and live in Jefferson and the entire United States. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a highly-specialized industry like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any area of work where employers can show it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree could potentially fit. 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 individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (a U.S. green card) via sponsorship through their Jefferson, SC job and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Jefferson, SC
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Jefferson, 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.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Much like H-1B visas, those with a TN visa in Jefferson, SC can choose to transition to a green card if they are qualified.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Jefferson, SC?
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in reality, require working through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa lawyer in Jefferson, SC can help you work through this system and achieve a great result.
H-1B Cap Issues - One of the biggest obstacles that South Carolina applicants face is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
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 Jefferson, SC can help you prepare your application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Deadlines - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. H-1B lawyers in Jefferson, SC have expertise in this application process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the fast process.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates normally will hire South Carolina corporate immigration attorneys to help put together the entire visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Accuracy and timeliness are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An experienced immigration attorney in Jefferson, SC can help you navigate those shifts to make sure your registration and application are prepared correctly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Jefferson, SC Can Do
Like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. An experienced Jefferson, SC TN visa lawyer can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - A TN visa attorney in Jefferson, SC can review your or your future employee's qualifications and information to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. 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 - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa attorney in Jefferson, SC can help you stay up to date with any policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Jefferson, SC, which means staying current with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, along with other requirements. Your Jefferson visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to remain legally compliant during the process and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Jefferson, SC
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa to work in Jefferson, SC, the process can be complicated and taxing. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Jefferson, SC is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist in managing the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines associated with them. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Jefferson, SC can assist with your unique situation, such as bringing spouse and children or close relatives to South Carolina with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Jefferson, SC?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she migrated to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Jefferson, SC, and beyond, who possess international expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. That's 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 seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Jefferson, SC. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.