Understanding H-1B Visas in Wakefield, VA
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows citizens of foreign countries in specialized fields of work to work for a finiteamount of time in Wakefield, VA and the United States in general. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a highly-specialized industry like science, healthcare, education, technology, or engineering. Any profession where employers can show a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could be eligible. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years or longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step individuals take towards permanent residency and citizenship. H-1B visa holders may apply for permanent residency (also called a green card) sponsored by their Wakefield, VA employer and eventually apply for citizenship.
What Is a TN Visa in Wakefield, VA?
Another type of work visa for professionals is the TN visa, which is designated for Mexican and Canadian citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Wakefield, VA) to qualify. Canadian citizens can apply directly at the border or airport and need not obtain a visa stamp at a consulate ahead of time, however, Mexican citizens must apply for a visa ahead of time.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Wakefield, VA are able to transition to a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an H-1B Visa in Wakefield, VA?
The steps to acquiring H-1B visas could look straightforward but actually require you to go through a complex, potentially convoluted process. H-1B visa lawyers in Wakefield, VA can help you navigate 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. Currently, the cap is 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, it's critical that your paperwork is submitted correctly and with accurate information.
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 attorney in Wakefield, VA can assist you in preparing your visa application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Deadlines - Registration for H-1B visa application is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and then the employers and applicants that are chosen have just a few more weeks after being notified during which to apply. An H-1B attorney in Wakefield, VA is well-versed in the process and can help make sure the proper forms and documents are filled out correctly in the fast process.
Required Employer Sponsorship - Employers who want to file correctly will frequently turn to Virginia corporate immigration lawyers 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 manage deadlines for you.
Visa Policies Change Frequently - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visas shift. An experienced immigration attorney in Wakefield, VA can help you understand and navigate the changes so your registration and application are filed on time and properly.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Wakefield, VA
Like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. An experienced Wakefield, VA TN visa lawyer can help you navigate this process to a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - A TN visa lawyer in Wakefield, VA can analyze your or your potential new employee's educational background and experience to determine their eligibility for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and make sure that the TN visa is the right one for your employee.
Renewal - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Wakefield, VA TN visa attorney can help keep you updated with any policy changes and the required details needed to renew your visa each time. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and retain your legal right to work.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Wakefield, VA which means staying current with visa paperwork, documenting wages and job duties, keeping H-1B visa Public Access Files, along with other requirements. Your Wakefield visa lawyers can train and prepare your staff members to remain legally compliant during the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
Benefits of Hiring TN or H-1B Visa Lawyers in Wakefield, VA
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for a TN or H-1B visa for temporary work in Wakefield, VA, it can be a lengthy and extremely complex process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may cause your application to be denied.
An H-1B visa lawyer or TN visa attorney in Wakefield, VA is familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can help you understand the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that correspond with each one. Furthermore, Wakefield, VA immigration lawyers can aid in your specific situation, including bringing dependents and immediate family members to Virginia with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Wakefield, 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! Weinstock Immigration Lawyers has a multilingual, multicultural staff in Wakefield, Virginia and beyond, who possess international expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our proactive perspective has led to us successfully getting approved over 20,000 visa and green card cases. We also have 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 all H-1B and TN visas in Wakefield, VA. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior outcomes do not guarantee similar results.