An H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant work visa that allows United States employers to hire foreign workers for specialty jobs that generally require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. This can include occupations in fields such as information technology, finance, engineering and architecture. An employer looking to sponsor an employee on an H-1B will need to establish that they are a United States employer offering a role that requires specialized knowledge and that the applicant has a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a field related to the offered role. Once obtained, the H-1B visa will have a cumulative maximum duration of 6 years. If you are a United States employer looking to hire a foreign worker, please read on, then contact an experienced employment immigration lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland to learn what you should know about obtaining an H-1B visa.
How do you obtain an H-1B visa in Maryland?
In the United States, an employer initiates the H-1B work visa process. The steps that employers need to go through to file a petition on behalf of a foreign worker are as follows:
- Submit a Labor Condition Application (“LCA”) for certification with the Department of Labor (DOL).
- Prepare an I-129 petition to file with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Submit the forms and supporting documents related to the position, company, and applicant.
- Wait for the review from USCIS.
The amount of time required to obtain H-1B status for a potential employee varies according to the circumstances at the particular employer, DOL and the USCIS. The total processing time at DOL including prevailing wage determination, if necessary, and USCIS processing can take as long as 6 to 7 months or longer. That said, you should reach out to a skilled immigration lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland who will know the ins and outs of this process and help maximize your chances of success.
Contact Our Baltimore County Firm
To fight for the outcome you deserve and need, regardless of the type of immigration matter you are facing, you can rely on the Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC to represent you. We also represent those accused of DUIs or who have wrongfully sustained injuries in car accidents. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation with our knowledgeable, compassionate and driven legal team so that we can work toward giving you peace of mind and a bright future in the United States.
