H-1B Visa -> Green Card

[Kersten Gasthuber]

Hi guys! Can somebody please let me know when the best time is to apply for an employment sponsored green card? I have been in the U.S. on an H-1B visa now for two years and my extension will expire in November 2005, I just don\'t want to miss any deadlines or face any delays in the application process. Thanks much, Kersten.

 

[jaxen]

No Title

Only the timing of the third stage of green card process needs to be aligned with your H1 expiry and it can be 2 to 3 years from the start of the process. So Start the process now, today.

 

[GC Dreamer]

Start Immediately!

There are very few good reasons to delay the start of your green card process! You should have started 2 years ago. Perhaps the only reason you might have waited is if you\'re counting on experience from your current H-1B position, then plan to move to a new employer / position using that experience as basis for your employment preference category (e.g. EB-2 vs. EB-3).

You have many steps ahead of you, and you may face uncertain delays during ANY of them. Who can predict how long the DOL, INS, or DOS will take to do their respective tasks in 1, 2 or 3 years? It might improve, or it might just as likely take longer. Before you know it you\'ll have run out of time on your H-1B status and then will have to scramble. Take a look at the posting of others who have run out of time and have had to take steps like move to Canada.

GET MOVING!