H-1B Visas in Parkersburg, WV: What Are They?
An H-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign nationals in particular job industries to temporarily work and live in Parkersburg and the entire United States. To qualify for an H-1B, applicants must already have been offered a job in a specialized professional field including healthcare, engineering, IT, science, education. Any area of work where that the employer can demonstrate that it is necessary to have a bachelor's degree may qualify. Initially, H-1B visas are valid for three years but may be extended up to six years or longer if the employee chooses to apply for permanent residency.
For many, an H-1B visa is the first filing towards eventually applying for permanent residency and citizenship. Those with an H-1B visa can pursue permanent residency (also called a green card) as sponsored by their Parkersburg, WV job and eventually apply for citizenship.
Parkersburg, WV TN Visas Explained
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. The list includes engineers, pharmacists, management consultants, scientists, and accountants. Applicants must already have a job offer in the United States (for example in: Parkersburg, WV) to qualify. Canadian citizens may apply at the airport or border crossing and do not need to have a visa stamped at the consulate, but Mexican citizens must go to a consulate to apply for a visa.
To start, TN visas are valid for three years but can be extended by three-year increments each time. Like H-1B visa applicants, those with a TN visa in Parkersburg, WV can choose to shift to a green card if eligible.
Challenges an H-1B Visa Lawyer in Parkersburg, WV Can Help You Overcome
H-1B visas might appear to be simple but require navigating a complex, potentially convoluted process. An H-1B visa attorney in Parkersburg, WV can assist you with this system and successfully petition your visa.
Cap Limitations - One of the biggest obstacles that West Virginia applicants face is the annual cap placed on how many new H-1B visas are issued. The annual cap is currently set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, 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.
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 Parkersburg, WV can help you with preparing your petition to be more competitive in pursuing this highly selective visa.
Application Turnaround Times - Registration to apply for an H-1B visa is normally only allowed during a few weeks in 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 Parkersburg, WV is a smart move. They are experienced with the process and can help make sure your application has been filed correctly in the fast process.
Employer Sponsorship - Busy employers and their HR teams will frequently turn to West Virginia corporate immigration lawyers to assist the employer with preparing the visa application in this heavily regulated legal system. Accuracy and timeliness are critical for visa applications, and your H-1B visa attorney can assist with keeping track of important information and manage deadlines for you.
Changing Policies - Just about each year, the policies around H-1B visa adjudication change. An immigration lawyer with expertise in Parkersburg, WV can help you understand and navigate the changes to make sure your registration and application are finalized completely.
What a TN Visa Lawyer in Parkersburg, WV Can Do
Much like H-1B visas, TN visas also require documentation for both parties, the Canadian or Mexican citizen and the employer. An experienced Parkersburg, WV TN visa lawyer can walk you through the process to help you achieve a successful outcome.
Review Eligibility - Parkersburg, WV TN visa attorneys can help review your or your potential employee’s educational background and experience 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 - Since TN visas must be renewed before they expire, your Parkersburg, WV TN visa lawyer can help you stay up to date with changes in policy and the guidance you need for visa renewal. Your TN visa attorney can help you prevent gaps in your visa and ensure you can keep legally working.
Employer Visa Compliance - Employers are the party responsible for immigration and employment law compliance in Parkersburg, WV which means staying on top of visa documentation, logging job duties and wages, preserving H-1B visa Public Access Files, and many more obligations. Parkersburg visa lawyers from our team can train and prepare your staff members to maintain compliance throughout the petition and minimize the risk of running into legal problems.
The Benefits of Hiring an H-1B or TN Immigration Lawyer in Parkersburg, WV
If you or a potential employee is pursuing an H-1B or TN visa so that they can legally work in Parkersburg, WV, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Additionally, erroneous information on any piece of the application may cause your application to be denied.
Parkersburg, WV H-1B or TN visa attorneys are knowledgeable about the complexities of these visas and can help you understand the required documentation, lotteries, and deadlines correlated with each. Moreover, an H-1B or TN visa lawyer in Parkersburg, WV can aid in your specific situation, including bringing dependents or other immediate relatives with you to West Virginia.
Why Should You Choose The Visa Pros as Your TN Visa Lawyer in Parkersburg, WV?
Karen Weinstock started Weinstock Immigration Lawyers, The Visa Pros, and she is deeply familiar with the immigration procedures– she moved to the United States and went through multiple immigration processes herself! The Weinstock Immigration Lawyers team is multilingual and multicultural, located in Parkersburg, WV, and beyond, who have global expertise and boasts a combined more than 100 years of legal immigration experience.
Our forward-thinking attitude has resulted in over 20,000 cases of approved visas and green cards. 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 ready to hire the best global talent, Weinstock Immigration Lawyers can help with all H-1B and TN visas in Parkersburg, WV. Get a free case evaluation today.
*Disclaimer: Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.