Understanding H-1B Visas in Oakton, VA
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in particular job industries to work in Oakton, VA and the rest of the U.S. for a specific amount of time. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a specialized profession such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any profession where the employer can prove it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree could potentially fit. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it may be extended up to six years or longer if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Often, an H-1B is the first application individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also called a green card) via sponsorship through their Oakton, VA job and then petition to obtain U.S. citizenship.
TN Visas in Oakton, VA: What Are They?
TN visas are another temporary work visa type, but they are specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. These occupations include management consultants, scientists, accountants, engineers, and pharmacists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Oakton, VA) to qualify. For Canadian citizens, you can apply directly at the border or at the airport and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
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 Oakton, 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 Oakton, VA?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, sometimes vague system. An H-1B visa attorney in Oakton, VA can assist you with this system and obtain a successful outcome.
H-1B Cap Issues - The main challenge Virginia applicants must overcome is the cap on the number of new H-1B visas that may be issued yearly. The cap is set at 65,000 per government 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 imperative you ensure your paperwork is submitted accurately with all the right information.
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. Oakton, VA H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition so your application can have more chances in this process.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. An H-1B attorney in Oakton, VA is well-versed in the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Sponsorship by Employers - 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 heavily regulated legal system. Precision and timeliness are vital for visa petitions and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and track time limits on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Nearly every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Oakton, VA can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are prepared properly.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Oakton, VA Can Do
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced Oakton, VA TN visa lawyer can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Oakton, VA can review your or your future employee's qualifications and information to help decide if they meet the 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.
Visa Renewal - Before they expire, TN visas require an extension, and your TN visa lawyer in Oakton, VA can help ensure you remain updated with changing policies and the necessary information that you need to renew your visa. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Compliance Requirements - The duty for Oakton, VA immigration and employment compliance lies with the employer, which means keeping up with visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. Your Oakton visa lawyers can prepare and train relevant staff to maintain compliance throughout the petition and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why You Should Hire an H-1B or TN Visa Attorney in Oakton, VA
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Oakton, VA, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. In addition, mistakes in the application can result in automatic denial.
Oakton, VA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can assist you in navigating the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that are associated with each one. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Oakton, VA can adjust to special circumstances, including bringing dependents or other immediate relatives with you to Virginia.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Oakton, 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 various immigration steps personally! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in Oakton, Virginia, with wide-reaching expertise and together, they have more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. That's one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* Whether you're attempting to get a work visa in the U.S. or an employer hoping to hire global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with your H-1B and TN visa needs in Oakton, VA. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.