Can I apply for Green Card?

[jobusifoh]

Hello Forumites,

I am presently on J visa and my visa expires mid 2006. I am not subjected to two year return option. I have two questions:
I got a new job, how do i make change to suit my new job? Can i apply for a change by myself?
Am I eligible to apply for Green card by myself or i have to wait for my employer?
Thank you in advance for your answer

 

[Streamflow]

No and Yes

I got a new job, how do i make change to suit my new job? Can i apply for a change by myself?

Negative, you cannot. Only through your employer. I believe that you are talking about change from J-1 to J-1 (transfer of the program) or change of visa status from J-1 to H-1B (or O-1).

Am I eligible to apply for Green card by myself or i have to wait for my employer?

Positive, you are eligible. However, you can apply only in 2 employment-based GC categories: (i) EB1-EA (or EB1-1, EB1a) ‘Alien of extraordinary ability’ and (ii) EB2-NIW 'National Interest Waiver'. Both these categories are self-petition but they are very difficult.