Galax, VA H-1B Visas Explained
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized fields of work to work in Galax, 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 highly-specialized industry including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any area of work where employers can show it is required to have a bachelor's degree may qualify. H-1B visas are good for three years but can be extended to a six-year maximum and even longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Typically, securing an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. holders of H-1B visa may seek permanent residency (known as a green card) via sponsorship through their Galax, VA job and ultimately apply for citizenship.
TN Visas in Galax, VA: What Are They?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Galax, VA) in order to qualify. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, 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 Galax, VA are able to transition to a green card if certain requirements are met.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Galax, VA?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, often convoluted system. An H-1B visa attorney in Galax, VA can assist you with this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle Virginia applicants encounter is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, 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 Galax, VA can help you with preparing your petition and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration for H-1B visa application is normally only allowed during 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. An H-1B attorney in Galax, VA is well-versed in the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly commonly look to Virginia corporate immigration attorneys to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this highly-regulated legal process. Accuracy and timeliness are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help monitor important paperwork and due dates on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Just about each year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An experienced Galax, VA immigration lawyer can help you understand and navigate the changes to make sure your registration and application are finalized accurately.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Galax, VA Can Do
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced TN visa attorney in Galax, VA can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - Galax, VA TN visa attorneys can review your or your future employee's educational background and experience to determine their eligibility 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 the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Visa Extension - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your Galax, VA TN visa attorney can help ensure you remain updated with potential policy changes and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Galax, VA, which means staying current with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. Galax visa lawyers from our team can train and prepare your staff members to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Galax, VA?
Whether you or your employee is seeking a TN or H-1B visa to work in Galax, VA, the process can be complicated and taxing. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Galax, VA is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist you in navigating the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork associated with them. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Galax, VA can aid in your specific situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or members of your family to Virginia with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Galax, VA?
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who intimately understands the immigration process – she migrated to the United States and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Galax, Virginia, who have global expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
We take a proactive approach, which 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 who wants to tap into the global talent pool, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is here for all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Galax, VA. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.