Stevensburg, VA H-1B Visas Explained
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa allows foreign nationals in specialized areas of employment to work in Stevensburg, 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 professional specialty including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any area of work where employers can show it is required to have a bachelor's degree might qualify. The initial term for an H-1B visa is three years, but it 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. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also known as a green card) sponsored by their Stevensburg, VA employer and ultimately apply for citizenship.
TN Visas for Mexican and Canadian Citizens in Stevensburg, VA
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is 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: Stevensburg, 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, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
TN visas are initially valid for three years but can be extended for additional three-year periods. Much like H-1B visas, those with a TN visa in Stevensburg, VA can choose to shift to a green card if eligible.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Stevensburg, VA?
H-1B visas could seem simple but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, sometimes vague system. Stevensburg, VA H-1B visa attorneys can help guide you through this system and successfully petition your visa.
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. Due to the limited number of approvable visas, your paperwork must be without errors and submitted correctly.
In 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported receiving 758,994 eligible registrations and selected 188,400 to apply for the 65,000 available visas. An H-1B visa lawyer in Stevensburg, VA can help you prepare your application and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Application Deadlines - Registration 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. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Stevensburg, VA, they are familiar with this process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the short turnaround time.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams will frequently turn to Virginia corporate immigration lawyers to help put together the entire visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Timeliness and accuracy are paramount for these applications, and your H-1B visa lawyer can help keep track of essential information and due dates on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Almost each and every year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An experienced immigration attorney in Stevensburg, VA can help you understand those policy changes to make sure your registration and application are finalized properly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Stevensburg, VA Can Help You
In similar fashion to H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork from both the applicant and the employer. An experienced TN visa attorney in Stevensburg, VA can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Stevensburg, VA can help review your or your potential employee’s qualifications and information to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you from potential legal problems in the future. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Visa Extension - TN visas must be renewed before their expiration, so your TN visa attorney in Stevensburg, VA can help keep you updated with potential policy changes and the guidance you need for visa renewal. They can help you avoid delays in your visa and maintain your legal employment status.
Employer Compliance Requirements - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Stevensburg, VA employment and immigration laws, which includes staying up to date with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and many more obligations. One of our Stevensburg visa lawyers can prepare and train relevant staff to stay compliant throughout the process and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Stevensburg, VA?
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Stevensburg, VA, the process can be complicated and taxing. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application can cause it to be denied outright.
An H-1B visa attorney or TN visa lawyer in Stevensburg, VA is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you understand the deadlines, lotteries, and correct paperwork correlated with each. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Stevensburg, VA can aid in your specific situation, especially if you need to bring dependents or close relatives to Virginia with you.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Stevensburg, VA?
Karen Weinstock started 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 various immigration steps personally! The Weinstock team is made up of multilingual, multicultural staff in Stevensburg, VA, and throughout, who have global expertise and a combined over 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's 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 ready to hire the best global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your TN and H-1B visa needs in Stevensburg, VA. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.