Understanding H-1B Visas in North Charleston, SC
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that permits foreign citizens in specialized fields of work to work in North Charleston, SC and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a specialized professional field such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any area of work where employers can show it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree may qualify. H-1B visas are initially three years long but may be extended to a total of six years and even longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Often, an H-1B is the first application individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (known as a green card) as sponsored by their North Charleston, SC job and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in North Charleston, SC
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. The list of occupations for TN visas is closed, so this visa type has more stringent qualifications. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in North Charleston, SC) in order to qualify. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, those with a TN visa in North Charleston, SC can choose to apply for a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in North Charleston, SC?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, often convoluted system. North Charleston, SC H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and successfully petition your visa.
H-1B Cap Issues - The biggest hurdle South Carolina applicants encounter is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. 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 visas are severely limited and many apply, it's imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right 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 lawyer in North Charleston, SC can help you with preparing your petition to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Application Turnaround Times - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and then applicants and employers who are selected have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in North Charleston, SC is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the fast process.
Sponsorship by Employers - Busy employers and their HR teams will frequently turn to South Carolina corporate immigration lawyers to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Timeliness and accuracy are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Practically every single year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in North Charleston, SC can help you understand and navigate the changes so your registration and application are filed on time and properly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in North Charleston, SC Can Help You
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. An experienced TN visa attorney in North Charleston, SC can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in North Charleston, SC can analyze your or your potential new employee's qualifications and information to help decide if they meet the requirements for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Visa Extension - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your North Charleston, SC TN visa lawyer can help you stay up to date with changing policies and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Legal Compliance - The duty for North Charleston, SC immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying current with visa paperwork, recording wages and job assignments, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. Your North Charleston visa attorneys can coach the necessary staff to maintain compliance throughout the petition and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in North Charleston, SC
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in North Charleston, SC, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can cause it to be denied outright.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in North Charleston, SC is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you work through the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries that are associated with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in North Charleston, SC can aid in your specific situation, including bringing dependents or close relatives to South Carolina with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in North Charleston, SC
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she immigrated to the USA and went through various immigration steps personally! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in North Charleston, SC, and beyond, with worldwide expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
Our forward-thinking attitude has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. 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 ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with your TN and H-1B visa needs in North Charleston, SC. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.