H-1B Visas in Nichols, SC: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in specialized fields of work to work in Nichols, 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 highly-specialized industry such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any area of work where that the employer can demonstrate that a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement may qualify. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it may be extended to a total of six years and even longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also known as a green card) as sponsored by their Nichols, SC job and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Nichols, SC?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Nichols, SC) in order to qualify. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and need not obtain a visa stamp at a consulate ahead of time, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Similar to H-1B visas, those with a TN visa in Nichols, SC can choose to change to a green card if certain requirements are met.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Nichols, SC?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but actually require you to go through a complex, often convoluted system. An H-1B visa attorney in Nichols, SC can assist you with this system and gain a desired outcome.
Visa Caps - 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. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate information.
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 attorney in Nichols, 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 normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and once selected, applicants and their employers have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Nichols, SC, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the limited timeframe.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they normally will hire South Carolina corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Timeliness and accuracy are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and manage deadlines for you.
Shifting Policies - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Nichols, SC can assist you with those adjustments to ensure that your registration and application are filled out completely.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Nichols, SC Can Help
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A knowledgeable Nichols, SC TN visa attorney can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - A TN visa attorney in Nichols, SC can help review your or your potential employee’s education and experience to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Visa Renewal - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Nichols, SC TN visa lawyer can help keep you updated with changes in policy and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Visa Compliance - The duty for Nichols, SC immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, documenting wages and job duties, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. Your Nichols visa attorneys can train and prepare your staff members to remain legally compliant during the process and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Nichols, SC
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Nichols, SC, the process can be complicated and taxing. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Nichols, SC is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist you in navigating the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation correlated with each. Furthermore, Nichols, SC immigration lawyers can help with your individual situation, which include additional dependents or other immediate relatives with you to South Carolina.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Nichols, SC
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she is intimately familiar with the United States 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 Nichols, SC, and throughout, who have global expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. That's one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Nichols, SC. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.