New to GCprocess
hello friends,
I am relatively new to this GCprocess. Currently, I am working on OPT with Company A which is in TX. And, I just came to know that I can also look for a GC at this stage. I spoke to my company, they agreed to it, but i am not willing to file, as it is in TX, and I heard that it takes a long time for GC in TX. I approached a company B in Iowa, which is also ready to file my GC, in fact they promised to get a GC with 1.5 years, but I have to come on their payroll, which is not a problem for me, as I am on OPT. But I really wanna make sure that Company B is not making a fool of me. Do you guys have any ideas, if we can really file GC on OPT. I also saw an article on immigtation.com which certified that its not wrong if I apply for a GC on OPt. Heres the FAQ:
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Q44 I am on F-1 visa (student visa). Can I apply for green card (Permanent Residency)?
A44 There is no law that prohibits an F-1, J-1, F-2, or J-2 visa holder from applying for a green card directly. But as a practical matter it takes a long time to obtain a green card in most cases. Therefore, even if you begin your green card process while you are on F or J status you will probably be required to convert to H-1 due to lack of time. Conversion to H-1 during green card pendency is no problem.
One more issue that you have to bear in mind is that F and J visas do not allow you to possess immigrant intent. Therefore, if you travel abroad during the pendency of the green card or if you need to obtain F or J visa stamped, you could have trouble because filing for green card you would have established immigrant intent.
Bottomline: You could apply for green card while holding F or J status but in all probability you will have to obtain an H-1. You can obtain permanent residency under one of the following categories:
http://www.immigration.com/residency/
(Posted on 20 December 2002)
[Index] [Compiled by Law Offices of Rajiv S Khanna]
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You people must have got a better idea of the whole GC process by now. Do you really think there is any possiblity of landing up in a problem wither from INS or from my Company B, If I apply for a GC. If yes, then what are the things I need to take care of. Any Help in this regard will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again,
AFI