GC application while on F1

[pulos]

Hi everybody!

I came to the US a year ago on H4 visa, and I will be changing to F1 status in a few months to join a PhD program with stipend. I have not exited the US since my arrival and I have no intention to live US in the coming years either.

Now the situation is, I have been working as a volunteer researcher on H4 and my supervisor is willing to file for GC for me. Since it takes years to have an employment-based GC appoved, I was wondering if I can start my PhD on F1 status (NOT visa) and then start my GC process while a PhD student to have it hopefully ready by the time I finish my PhD...

I know about the whole non-immigrant issue concerning F1 visas, but since I did not enter the US on F1 visa and I am not willing to exit the US while on F1, will having a GC case cause me any major trouble?

Thanks,
Paul

 

[LucyMO]

yes, you can start an employment-based GC process, and no, it won't cause any problems for you. As to having a GC by the time you get PhD - I think you are a little optimistic. How about - being able to apply for adjustment of status by the time you are done with PhD? That's realistic.