L1 A Blanket Petition to Green Card

[nikhilgurjar]

Hi,

I have a L1 A Blanket visa from my company. The company has, however, indicated that it will not be processing my Green Card.

a. Is it possible to convert the visa status that gives the option to work for a different employer? In order to make such conversions, does one have to leave the US?

b. Is it possible to directly apply for the Green Card (I have around 15 publications, significant research contributions, etc.)? Does the filing of the application enable a work permit that is independent of the employer?

What are the time frames for a and b?

Thanks for your reply / comments.

Regards,
Nikhil

 

[techie8]

Hi,

I have a L1 A Blanket visa from my company. The company has, however, indicated that it will not be processing my Green Card.

a. Is it possible to convert the visa status that gives the option to work for a different employer? In order to make such conversions, does one have to leave the US?

b. Is it possible to directly apply for the Green Card (I have around 15 publications, significant research contributions, etc.)? Does the filing of the application enable a work permit that is independent of the employer?

What are the time frames for a and b?

Thanks for your reply / comments.

Regards,
Nikhil

a> No. You can get your H1B when you are in the US. However, since H1B has numerical limitations, it might be a while before you get your H1B. But you do not have to leave the US to convert your visa status.

b> Just publications are not sufficient and you need to demonstrate that you have a permanent offer of employment that happens to be in the same area as your publications. You cannot get a work permit that is independent of an employer.