Ghent, WV H-1B Visas Explained
Classified as a nonimmigrant visa, the H-1B visa allows foreign nationals in specialized fields of work to work in Ghent, WV 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 professional field such as education, technology, science, engineering, or healthcare Any professional field where the hiring company can prove a bachelor's degree is the minimum qualification required could potentially fit. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but have the option to be extended up to six years and potentially more if the employee chooses 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) via sponsorship through their Ghent, WV job and then apply for United States citizenship.
TN Visas in Ghent, WV: What Are They?
Another type of nonimmigrant visa for working professionals is the TN visa, which is specifically for Canadian and Mexican citizens. The qualifications for TN visa applicants are stricter because the list of occupations is finite. This includes pharmacists, accountants, engineers, management consultants, and scientists. In order to qualify for a TN visa, applicants must have a full-time U.S. job offer (ex.: in Ghent, WV). 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.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but visa holders can extend them for additional three-year periods. Like H-1B visa applicants, Ghent, WV TN visa holders are eligible to transition to a green card if certain requirements are met.
What an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Ghent, WV Can Help You With
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but in actuality, they require navigating a complicated, often convoluted system. An H-1B visa lawyer in Ghent, WV can help you work through this system and obtain a successful outcome.
Visa Cap Limitations - The biggest hurdle West Virginia applicants encounter is the H-1B visa cap, or the limit on how many new visas can be issued annually. The current Congressional cap per fiscal year is 65,000, and then 20,000 additional visas in the H-1B advanced degree exemption. With a limited number of visas available, 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. An H-1B visa lawyer in Ghent, WV can help you prepare your application to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Deadlines - The registration window to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in March, and once selected, applicants and their employers only have a few weeks to apply from the date of selection. Hiring an H-1B visa lawyer in Ghent, WV is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the small window of opportunity.
Employer Visa Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams commonly look to 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 organizing essential information and deadlines on your behalf.
Shifting Policies - Practically every single year, changes are made to H-1B visa adjudications. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Ghent, WV can help you understand and navigate the changes so your registration and application are filed on time and correctly.
How a TN Visa Attorney in Ghent, WV Can Help You
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation for both the employer and the Canadian or Mexican citizen applicant. A knowledgeable Ghent, WV TN visa attorney can assist you with this process to a fruitful outcome.
Check for Eligibility - Ghent, WV TN visa attorneys can help review your or your potential employee’s information and qualifications to determine if they meet the eligibility requirements for a TN visa, saving you time, headaches, and legal problems. They can also assist you prepare the required documentation and ensure that a TN visa is the right choice for your situation.
Renewal - Because TN visas must be extended prior to expiration, your TN visa lawyer in Ghent, WV 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 continue your legal working status.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers hold the responsibility for complying with Ghent, WV employment and immigration laws, which means staying current with visa paperwork, properly document job duties and wages, managing Public Access Files for H-1B visas, and additional requirements. One of our Ghent visa lawyers can prepare and train relevant staff to stay compliant throughout the process and reduce the risk of audits and legal troubles.
Why Hire an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Ghent, WV?
No matter if you or your employee is seeking an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Ghent, WV, it can be a time-consuming, complicated process. Sometimes, an inaccurate piece of information on the application can cause it to be denied outright.
A TN visa attorney or H-1B visa lawyer in Ghent, WV is knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can help you work through the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines correlated with each. In addition, a TN visa lawyer or H-1B attorney in Ghent, WV can aid in your specific situation, such as bringing spouse and children and immediate family members to West Virginia with you.
Trust The Visa Pros for Your H-1B and TN Visa Needs in Ghent, WV
Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, was founded by Karen Weinstock, who is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– 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 Ghent, WV, and throughout, with wide-reaching expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude means that we boast over 20,000 cases of approved green cards and visas. We're proud to have one of the highest approval rates in the industry with only 1% of cases being denied.* If you're trying to get a work visa to legally work in the United States or an employer hoping to hire global talent, turn to Weinstock Immigration Lawyers for your H-1B and TN visa needs in Ghent, WV. Contact us for your free case evaluation.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.