Time to File Your H-1B Visa

With an April 1st filing deadline quickly approaching, it’s time to begin the process of preparing to file for an H-1B visa. U.S. businesses use the H-1B visa program in order to employ foreign workers. Whether you’re an employer petitioning for an employee, or an employee eager to obtain a job, it’s essential to follow the process outlined by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to achieve success in the process.  

If you’re ready to take on your dream job in the United States and you’re sponsored for an H1-B visa that means you’ve already risen to the top of your profession and that your specialized skills are in demand. Now it’s up to you to navigate the visa application process.

Or if you’re an employer and you’d like to file a petition for an H-1B visa to hire or maintain a valuable employee on staff then it’s important to follow the process and regulations set forth by USCIS.

In either case, part of the process includes gathering and translating the appropriate documentation so that you’re ready with the materials you’ll need.

But did you know that there are currently three times more applicants than available visas? That’s a lot of competition! Whether the employment opportunity lies in Silicon Valley or The Big Apple, it helps to be fully prepared with accurate information and documentation to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that inconsistencies or carelessness don’t interfere with your ability to obtain a visa.

USCIS Requirements for Certified Translations

When submitting an application for the visa, all accompanying documents are expected to be in English. USCIS also requires that the translation is done by a third party; it cannot be done by the applicant or the petitioner.

These documents can include a birth certificate, college transcripts and diplomas, awards certificates, résumé and other documents that may be appropriate to your visa category.

Educational documents, résumés and similar documents require the special attention of qualified translators because they tend to be more technical and detailed in nature.

USCIS also has specific requirements for translations such as ensuring proper spelling, and translating a document word for word and in its entirety – including signatures, dashes, seals, stamps and more.

Certified Translations- Choose the right Translator and Plan Ahead

USCIS requires certified translations; in other words a certificate of translation should accompany the translation.  The certificate is a signed affidavit indicating that the document was accurately translated from a particular foreign language into English. So the document has to be professionally translated, accurate and complete in order to be properly certified.

Choose a translator with knowledge of the requirements and one with a proven process and the technical expertise to assist in your translations. If you have an immigration attorney, he or she may be able to recommend a Translation company for you.

It’s also a good idea to plan ahead. The translation of your documents will generally take about a week but considering the volume of applicants, there may be a longer delay, especially if you wait until the last minute.

There are a number of steps in the process of applying and you can find a great deal of information at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website or by visiting www.h1bvisa.org to learn more about the application process.