Understanding H-1B Visas in Sumter, SC
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized areas of employment to work in Sumter, 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 professional specialty such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any area of work where that the employer can demonstrate that it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree may qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years and potentially more if the applicant pursues a green card.
Often, an H-1B is the first application towards permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Sumter, SC employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Sumter, SC?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian 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. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Sumter, SC) to qualify. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, but citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Much like H-1B visas, Sumter, SC TN visa holders are eligible to shift to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Sumter, SC Can Help You With
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but require navigating a complex, sometimes vague system. An H-1B visa lawyer in Sumter, SC can help you work through this system and achieve a great result.
Visa Caps - One of the most difficult challenges that South Carolina applicants must meet is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, with 20,000 additional visas issued through 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.
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 Sumter, SC can help you prepare your application so your application can have more chances in this process.
Dates To Remember - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and the selected employers and applicants have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Sumter, SC is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates will frequently turn to South Carolina corporate immigration lawyers to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this legal process that involves many regulations. Precision and timeliness are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with organizing essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. A knowledgeable, skilled Sumter, SC immigration attorney can help you understand and navigate the changes to make sure your registration and application are prepared properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Sumter, SC Can Do
Like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A knowledgeable Sumter, SC TN visa attorney can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - Sumter, SC TN visa attorneys can help review your or your potential employee’s information and qualifications to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Renewal - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your TN visa attorney in Sumter, SC can help you stay up to date with potential policy changes and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Sumter, SC employment and immigration laws, which means staying on top of visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Your Sumter 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.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Sumter, SC
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Sumter, SC, the process can be complicated and taxing. In addition, mistakes in the application may lead to your petition being denied.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Sumter, SC is experienced in the complications of each visa and can help you work through the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that are associated with each one. Furthermore, Sumter, SC immigration lawyers can assist with your unique situation, including bringing dependents or members of your family to South Carolina with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Sumter, SC
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she intimately understands the immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and went through various immigration steps personally! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Sumter, SC, and throughout, who possess international expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. 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 hoping to hire global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all H-1B and TN visas in Sumter, SC. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.