Understanding H-1B Visas in Cologne, VA
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa allows foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to work in Cologne, VA and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a specialized professional field such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any profession where employers can show a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement might qualify. H-1B visas are initially three years long but can be extended to a six-year maximum and potentially more if the applicant pursues a green card.
Often, an H-1B is the first application towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Cologne, VA employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Cologne, VA
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Cologne, VA) in order to qualify. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and need not obtain a visa stamp at a consulate ahead of time, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended for three-year periods at a time. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Cologne, VA can shift to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Cologne, VA Can Help You With
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but require navigating a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa attorney in Cologne, VA can assist you with this system and achieve a great result.
Visa Caps - One of the biggest obstacles that Virginia applicants face is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The cap is set at 65,000 per government fiscal year, with 20,000 additional visas issued through the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, your paperwork must be without errors and submitted correctly.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported receiving 758,994 eligible registrations in 2023, and selected 188,400 to apply for just 65,000 available H-1B visas. An H-1B visa lawyer in Cologne, VA can help you prepare your application so you may ensure proper filing in this selective process.
Application Turnaround Times - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. An H-1B attorney in Cologne, VA is well-versed in the process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the short turnaround time.
Sponsorship by Employers - Employers who want to file correctly commonly look to Virginia corporate immigration attorneys to help put together the entire visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Accuracy and timeliness are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Nearly every year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An experienced Cologne, VA immigration lawyer can help you understand those policy changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out correctly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Cologne, VA Can Help You
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation from both the applicant and the employer. A TN visa lawyer in Cologne, VA with experience can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Eligibility Determination - TN visa lawyers in Cologne, VA can review your or your future employee's qualifications and information to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also assist you with the necessary documents and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Extensions - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Cologne, VA TN visa attorney can help ensure you remain updated with changing policies and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Cologne, VA, which means staying current with visa paperwork, documenting wages and job duties, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. Your Cologne visa attorneys can prepare and train relevant staff to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the chance of government audits.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Cologne, VA
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Cologne, VA, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
Cologne, VA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the intricacies of each visa type and can help you work through the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries associated with them. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Cologne, VA can adjust to special circumstances, including bringing dependents or members of your family to Virginia with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Cologne, VA?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she migrated to the United States and went through several immigration procedures herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Cologne, VA, and throughout, with wide-reaching expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
We take a proactive approach, which 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 looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA or an employer ready to hire the best global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Cologne, VA. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.