South Boston, VA H-1B Visas Explained
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa authorizes foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to work in South Boston, 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 like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any area of work where the employer can prove 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.
Often, an H-1B is the first application individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (known as a green card) through sponsorship from their South Boston, VA employer and then apply for United States citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in South Boston, VA?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. It includes accountants, engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, and scientists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in South Boston, VA). If you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to apply directly at an airport or border and do not need to apply for a visa stamping at the consulate ahead of time, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, those with a TN visa in South Boston, VA can choose to transition to a green card if certain requirements are met.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in South Boston, VA?
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but require navigating a complex, often convoluted system. An H-1B visa lawyer in South Boston, VA can help you work through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Caps - The biggest hurdle Virginia applicants encounter is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas per 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, all of your application paperwork must be accurate and submitted properly.
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. South Boston, VA H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Deadlines - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is routinely open for a few short weeks each March, and then applicants and employers who are selected only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in South Boston, VA is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the limited timeframe.
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. Timeliness and accuracy are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and deadlines on your behalf.
Changing Policies - Nearly every year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. A knowledgeable, skilled South Boston, VA immigration attorney can assist you with those adjustments to make sure your registration and application are finalized completely.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in South Boston, VA Can Do
Like H-1B visas, TN visas necessitate correct documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. An experienced TN visa attorney in South Boston, VA can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in South Boston, VA can analyze your or your potential new employee's educational background and experience to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, helping save time and prevent future legal issues. They can also help prepare the necessary paperwork for this process and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Extensions - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your South Boston, VA TN visa lawyer can help you stay up to date with potential policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Legal Compliance - Employers are responsible for complying with immigration and employment laws in South Boston, VA, which means keeping up with visa documentation, documenting wages and job duties, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. Your South Boston visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in South Boston, VA
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for a TN or H-1B visa to work in South Boston, VA, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can result in automatic denial.
South Boston, VA H-1B or TN visa attorneys are experienced in the complications of each visa and can help you work through the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that are associated with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in South Boston, VA can adjust to special circumstances, which include additional dependents or close relatives to Virginia with you.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in South Boston, VA?
Karen Weinstock established Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is intimately familiar with the United States immigration process – she migrated to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers is comprised of team members who are multilingual and multicultural in South Boston, Virginia, who have global expertise and together, they have more than 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. That gives us one of the highest approval rates in the industry, with only a 1% denial rate.* Whether you’re looking to obtain a work visa to work in the USA or an employer who wants to tap into the global talent pool, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with your TN and H-1B visa needs in South Boston, VA. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Past results do not ensure the same outcome.