Understanding H-1B Visas in Athens, WV
H-1B visas are a type of nonimmigrant visa that authorizes foreign nationals in certain specialized careers to work for a finiteamount of time in Athens, WV and the United States in general. In order to apply for an H-1B, applicants must already have a job offer in a professional specialty such as engineering, science, healthcare, education, or IT. Any area of work where employers can show a bachelor’s degree is the minimum entry requirement may qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended to a total of six years and even longer if the applicant decides to apply for permanent residency.
Frequently, obtaining an H-1B visa is the first step towards permanent residency and citizenship. Many H-1B visa applicants file for permanent residency (also known as a green card) via sponsorship through their Athens, WV job and then apply for United States citizenship.
Athens, WV TN Visas Explained
TN visas are another type of nonimmigrant visa for professionals, specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. There are stricter qualifications for TN visas because the list of occupations is restricted. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. TN visa applicants are required to have a U.S. job offer (e.g., in Athens, WV) in order to qualify. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and need not obtain a visa stamp at a 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 visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Akin to H-1B visa holders, TN visa holders in Athens, WV are able to apply for a green card if they meet specific qualifications.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Athens, WV Can Help You With
H-1B visas may seem straightforward but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, frequently vague bureaucracy. An H-1B visa lawyer in Athens, WV can help you work through this system and successfully petition your visa.
Visa Cap Limitations - The main challenge West Virginia applicants must overcome is the cap on how many new H-1B visas may be issued each year. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas available under 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.
For the 2023 fiscal year, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services received 758,994 eligible H-1B registrations and selected 188,400 to apply for only 65,000 visas. Athens, WV H-1B visa attorneys can help you take the necessary steps for your petition and be more competitive in this highly selective process.
Deadlines - When applying for an H-1B visa, registration is typically open for just a few weeks in March, and the selected employers and applicants only have a few weeks after being informed of their selection to apply. If you work with an H-1B lawyer in Athens, WV, they are familiar with this process and can help ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams normally will hire West Virginia corporate immigration attorneys to help put together the entire visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Timeliness and accuracy are crucial for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and track time limits on your behalf.
Policy Changes - Nearly every year, H-1B adjudication policies change. An experienced Athens, WV immigration lawyer can help you navigate those shifts to ensure that your registration and application are filled out completely.
Get Help from a TN Visa Attorney in Athens, WV
Like H-1B visas, TN visas require proper paperwork for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. A knowledgeable Athens, WV TN visa attorney can guide you through this process to the desired outcome.
Eligibility - A TN visa attorney in Athens, WV can analyze your or your potential new employee's education and experience to figure out if they qualify for a TN visa, saving you time, effort, and potential legal difficulties. They can also help you assemble the necessary paperwork and confirm the TN visa is the right type to pursue.
Visa Extension - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Athens, WV TN visa attorney can help you stay up to date with any policy changes 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 Compliance Requirements - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Athens, WV which means staying current with visa paperwork, documenting wages and job duties, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and additional requirements. One of our Athens visa lawyers can coach the necessary staff to stay compliant throughout the process and reduce the chance of government audits.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Athens, WV?
Whether you or your employee needs to apply for a TN or H-1B visa to work in Athens, WV, the process can be complicated and taxing. In addition, mistakes in the application can cause it to be denied outright.
Athens, WV H-1B or TN visa attorneys are familiar with the intricacies of these visas and can assist you in navigating the lotteries, deadlines, and correct documentation that correspond with each one. Additionally, an H-1B visa lawyer in Athens, WV can help with your individual situation, including bringing dependents or other immediate relatives with you to West Virginia.
Why Choose The Visa Pros as Your H-1B Immigration Lawyer in Athens, WV?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she intimately understands the immigration process – 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 Athens, West Virginia, with worldwide expertise and a combined over 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our hands-on approach means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. 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 ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with all of your TN and H-1B visa needs in Athens, WV. Get in touch today for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.