H-1B Visas in Norfolk, VA: What Are They?
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in particular job industries to temporarily work and live in Norfolk and the entire United States. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a highly-specialized industry such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any profession where employers can show it is required to have a bachelor's degree could potentially fit. H-1B visas are good for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years 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 (known as a green card) through sponsorship from their Norfolk, VA employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Norfolk, VA?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is exclusively for citizens of Canada and Mexico. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. A full-time U.S. job offer is required for TN visa applicants in Norfolk, VA. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or 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.
The initial length of a TN visa is three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, Norfolk, VA TN visa holders are eligible to transition to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
How an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Norfolk, VA Can Help You
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa attorney in Norfolk, VA can assist you with this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Caps - The main challenge Virginia applicants must overcome 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, and then 20,000 additional visas in the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Since H-1B visas are extremely limited and in high demand, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
For the 2023 fiscal year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received 758,994 eligible H-1B registrations and selected 188,400 to apply for only 65,000 visas. An H-1B visa attorney in Norfolk, VA can assist you in preparing your visa application 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 have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. H-1B lawyers in Norfolk, VA have expertise in this application process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Sponsorship - Employers have a lot to manage, so they commonly look to Virginia corporate immigration attorneys to help alleviate the stress of preparing the employer’s portion of the application in this regulated, high-stakes legal process. Timeliness and accuracy are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and due dates on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Almost each and every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An experienced immigration attorney in Norfolk, VA can help you understand those policy changes to ensure that your registration and application are filled out correctly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Norfolk, VA Can Do
Like H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation on both the employer's and Mexican or Canadian citizens' sides. An experienced TN visa attorney in Norfolk, VA can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Review Eligibility - TN visa lawyers in Norfolk, VA can assess your or your potential new hire's educational background and experience to help decide if they meet the 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.
Extensions - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your Norfolk, VA TN visa lawyer can help ensure you remain updated with any policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. Your TN visa lawyer can assist you and avert gaps in your visa and continue your legal working status.
Employer Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in Norfolk, VA, which means staying current with visa paperwork, logging job duties and wages, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. One of our Norfolk visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to remain legally compliant during the process and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Norfolk, VA
No matter if you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Norfolk, VA, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application may lead to your petition being denied.
Norfolk, VA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you work through the necessary paperwork, deadlines, and lotteries that are associated with each one. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Norfolk, VA can assist with your unique situation, such as bringing spouse and children and immediate family members to Virginia with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Norfolk, VA
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who intimately understands the immigration process – she immigrated to the USA and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Norfolk, VA, and throughout, who have global expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Norfolk, VA. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.