Understanding H-1B Visas in Bedford, VA
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa authorizes foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to temporarily work and live in Bedford and the entire United States. Potential H-1B applicants are required to have a job offer in a specialized professional field including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any line of work where that the employer can demonstrate that it is required to have a bachelor's degree could potentially fit. 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 decides to apply for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also called a green card) through sponsorship from their Bedford, VA employer and ultimately apply for citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Bedford, VA
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Bedford, VA). Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the consulate ahead of time, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Much like H-1B visas, those with a TN visa in Bedford, VA can choose to transition to a green card if eligible.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Bedford, VA Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but actually require you to go through a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa lawyer in Bedford, VA can help you work through this system and gain a desired outcome.
Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Virginia applicants encounter is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, 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. Bedford, VA H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Deadlines - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Bedford, VA is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the limited timeframe.
Employer Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams commonly look to Virginia corporate immigration attorneys to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this highly-regulated legal process. Accuracy and punctuality are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and manage deadlines for you.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Practically every single year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced Bedford, VA immigration lawyer can help you understand and navigate the changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out accurately.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Bedford, VA Can Do
Like H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced TN visa attorney in Bedford, VA can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Bedford, VA can analyze your or your potential new employee's information and qualifications to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Renewal - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your TN visa lawyer in Bedford, VA can help ensure you remain updated with potential policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Bedford, VA, which means keeping up with visa documentation, recording wages and job assignments, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and many more obligations. Bedford visa lawyers from our team can coach the necessary staff to remain legally compliant during the process and minimize the chances of a government audit.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Bedford, VA?
No matter if you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa to work in Bedford, VA, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can result in automatic denial.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Bedford, VA is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist you in navigating the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that correspond with each one. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Bedford, VA can assist with your unique situation, especially if you need to bring dependents and immediate family members to Virginia with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Bedford, VA?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she relocated to the U.S. and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Bedford, VA, and throughout, with worldwide expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective means we have over 20,000 approved cases of visas and green cards. We also have 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 hoping to hire global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with your TN and H-1B visa needs in Bedford, VA. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.