H-1B Visas for Temporary Work in Chesapeake, VA
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa permits foreign citizens in specialized fields of work to temporarily work and live in Chesapeake and the entire United States. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a specialized professional field such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any profession where the employer can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could be eligible. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it may be extended to a total of six years or more if the applicant pursues a green card.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (known as a green card) as sponsored by their Chesapeake, VA job and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas in Chesapeake, VA: What Are They?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. 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. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Chesapeake, VA). Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport 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.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Chesapeake, VA can change to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Chesapeake, VA Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but require navigating a complex, potentially convoluted process. H-1B visa lawyers in Chesapeake, VA can help you navigate this system and gain a desired outcome.
Visa Caps - One of the biggest obstacles that Virginia applicants face 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, plus an additional 20,000 visas allocated through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since visas are severely limited and many apply, 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 Chesapeake, VA can help you with preparing your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Deadlines - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and once selected, applicants and their employers only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Chesapeake, VA is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who already have a lot on their plates commonly look to Virginia corporate immigration attorneys to help take the stress of composing the visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Accuracy and timeliness are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and due dates on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Practically every single year, H-1B adjudication policies change. A knowledgeable, skilled Chesapeake, VA immigration attorney can help you navigate those shifts to make sure your registration and application are prepared properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Chesapeake, VA Can Do
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced Chesapeake, VA TN visa lawyer can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Review Eligibility - Chesapeake, VA TN visa attorneys can help review your or your potential employee’s qualifications and information to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and make sure that a TN visa is the correct one for this situation.
Renewal - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your TN visa attorney in Chesapeake, VA can help you remain current with changing policies and the information needed to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Visa Compliance - The duty for Chesapeake, VA immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means staying on top of visa documentation, logging job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional obligations. Your Chesapeake 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.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Chesapeake, VA?
No matter if you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Chesapeake, VA, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. In addition, mistakes in the application can cause it to be denied outright.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Chesapeake, VA is knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can assist you in navigating the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines that correspond with each one. Furthermore, Chesapeake, VA immigration lawyers can adjust to special circumstances, especially if you need to bring dependents or members of your family to Virginia with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Chesapeake, VA?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she immigrated to the USA and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Chesapeake, Virginia and beyond, who possess international expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude means we have over 20,000 approved cases of 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 seeking to take advantage of the best talent the world has to offer, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Chesapeake, VA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.