Williston, SC H-1B Visas Explained
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa allows foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to work for a finiteamount of time in Williston, SC and the United States in general. 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 professional field where employers can show a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement may qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended to a total of six years or longer if the employee applies for permanent residency.
Often, an H-1B is the first application individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also known as a green card) via sponsorship through their Williston, SC job and ultimately apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Williston, SC: What Are They?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Williston, SC) in order to qualify. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the consulate ahead of time, but citizens of Mexico need to have a visa stamped in their passport.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, those with a TN visa in Williston, SC can choose to transition to a green card if they are qualified.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Williston, SC Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in reality, require working through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa attorney in Williston, SC can assist you with this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Cap Limitations - The main challenge South Carolina applicants must overcome is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. 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 Williston, SC can help you with preparing your petition and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Deadlines - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and then applicants and employers who are selected have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. H-1B lawyers in Williston, SC have expertise in this application process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the fast process.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they often turn to South Carolina corporate immigration lawyers to help put together the entire visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Accuracy and punctuality are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and manage deadlines for you.
Policy Changes - Practically every single year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. A knowledgeable, skilled Williston, SC immigration attorney can help you navigate those shifts to ensure that your registration and application are filled out accurately.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Williston, SC Can Do
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas need proper documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced Williston, SC TN visa lawyer can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - A TN visa attorney in Williston, SC can assess your or your potential new hire's information and qualifications to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Visa Extension - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your TN visa attorney in Williston, SC can help you stay up to date with potential policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Visa Compliance - The duty for Williston, SC immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means keeping up with visa documentation, recording wages and job assignments, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. Williston visa lawyers from our team can ensure your team is trained and prepared to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Williston, SC?
Whether you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Williston, SC, the process can be complicated and taxing. Moreover, incorrect information anywhere on the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Williston, SC is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can assist you in navigating the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation correlated with each. Furthermore, Williston, SC immigration lawyers can aid in your specific situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or close relatives to South Carolina with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Williston, SC?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she relocated to the U.S. and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Williston, SC, and throughout, with worldwide expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved 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 attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, trust Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for all H-1B and TN visas in Williston, SC. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.