H-1B Visas for Temporary Work in Sandston, VA
An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that authorizes foreign nationals in specialized areas of employment to temporarily work in Sandston, VA and the rest of the United States. H-1B applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialized profession such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any line of work where the hiring company can prove it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree may qualify. H-1B visas are good for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years and even longer if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
Often, an H-1B is the first application immigrants take when they want to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also known as a green card) sponsored by their Sandston, VA employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
Sandston, VA TN Visas Explained
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is for which only Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify. TN visas have more strict qualifications for professions because the list of occupations is closed. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Sandston, VA) to qualify. If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and don’t have to go to a consulate to get a visa stamped, but Mexican citizens must obtain a visa stamp.
TN visas are valid for three years initially but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, TN visa holders in Sandston, VA are able to transition to a green card if eligible.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Sandston, VA?
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but actually require you to go through a complex, frequently vague bureaucracy. H-1B visa lawyers in Sandston, VA can help you navigate this system and obtain a successful outcome.
H-1B Cap Issues - The biggest hurdle Virginia applicants encounter 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, with an additional 20,000 visas available under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, 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. An H-1B visa lawyer in Sandston, VA can help you prepare your application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Deadlines - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is usually open for only a couple of weeks in March each year, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen have a few short weeks to apply once they've been notified of selection. An H-1B attorney in Sandston, VA is well-versed in the process and can assist you in filling out the required forms properly in the limited timeframe.
Sponsorship by Employers - Employers who already have a lot on their plates 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. Timeliness and accuracy are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and track time limits on your behalf.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Practically every single year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Sandston, VA can assist you with those adjustments so your registration and application are filed on time and accurately.
How TN Visa Lawyers in Sandston, VA Can Help
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. A knowledgeable Sandston, VA TN visa attorney can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Sandston, VA can help review your or your potential employee’s information and qualifications to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Renewal - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your TN visa lawyer in Sandston, VA can help keep you updated with changes in policy and the guidance you need for visa renewal. They can help you prevent delays in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Sandston, VA which means keeping up with visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, maintaining Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and many more obligations. Sandston visa lawyers from our team can ensure your team is trained and prepared to maintain legal compliance throughout the application and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Sandston, VA
If you or a potential employee is pursuing a TN or H-1B visa to work in Sandston, VA, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. In addition, mistakes in the application can result in automatic denial.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Sandston, VA is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can assist you in navigating the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork associated with them. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Sandston, VA can assist with your unique situation, such as bringing spouse and children or members of your family to Virginia with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Sandston, VA?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she understands the immigration procedures deeply – she migrated to the United States and has navigated a few immigration filings herself! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Sandston, VA, and throughout, with worldwide expertise and over 100 years of legal immigration experience together.
We take a proactive approach, which has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. That gives us one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* No matter if you're an individual hoping to secure a temporary visa in the U.S. or an employer hoping to hire global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Sandston, VA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Previous results do not ensure a similar outcome.