Johnston, SC H-1B Visas Explained
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which permits foreign citizens in specialized fields of work to temporarily work in Johnston, 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 profession such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any area of work where the employer can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required might qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended to a total of six years and even longer if the employee applies for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (also called a green card) sponsored by their Johnston, SC employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Johnston, SC: What Are They?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. 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. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Johnston, 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 Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Similar to H-1B visas, TN visa holders in Johnston, SC are able to shift to a green card if they are qualified.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Johnston, SC Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa attorney in Johnston, SC can assist you with this system and gain a desired outcome.
Visa Cap Limitations - One of the biggest obstacles that South Carolina applicants face 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. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
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 Johnston, SC can assist you in preparing your visa application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Deadlines - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Johnston, SC is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the fast process.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly commonly look to South Carolina corporate immigration attorneys 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 due dates on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Johnston, SC can help you understand and navigate the changes so your registration and application are filed on time and properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Johnston, SC Can Do
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Johnston, SC with experience can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Johnston, SC can review your or your future employee's information and qualifications to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Extensions - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa attorney in Johnston, SC can help keep you updated with changing policies 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 - The duty for Johnston, SC immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, documenting wages and job duties, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and many more obligations. Johnston visa lawyers from our team can prepare and train relevant staff to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Johnston, SC?
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Johnston, SC, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
Johnston, SC H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can help you work through the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries that correspond with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Johnston, SC can aid in your specific situation, which include additional dependents or close relatives to South Carolina with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Johnston, SC?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she migrated to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Johnston, SC, and beyond, who have global expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our forward-thinking attitude 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 ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with your TN and H-1B visa needs in Johnston, SC. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.