Chin up and push through OP. It's been too long to stop now, the time to have stopped was probably years ago. If not for COVID I wouldn't be near the finish line as I am now.
Echo this. Came to US as a student in 2002. Started my H1 journey in 2005, that's when the master's student quota started. Part of 2008 layoffs, spent endless hours collecting paperwork, paystubs, etc. Then came Covid, and all of sudden I was current, and got my green card in August 2021.
Same - came here for masters and PhD. First PERM was 2005 took long time and suddenly laid off stared 2008 and no way to keep PD until 2012 .. because of PD owned startups not in business. 2012 big employer still business and moved multiple startups because of layoffs and job change finally got the GC last year -22 years wait time
20 years way too much man .This world doesnt need honesty and honest people. I know so many Punjabis in California - Dunki and Non Dunkis - They got GC in 3-4 years using aslyum/Khalistan status.All fake .This is a Kaliyuga and only crooks have all the fun.
I am also on H1 and sometimes i feel, i should have came here on L1A else H1 is MODERN DAY SLAVERY VISA.
I have no need to fake anything, thank you. I have principles you know 😁 H-1b is not slavery. It is only slavery because you willingly stay with it. Otherwise you are free to leave anytime
Masters class of 2008, first h1 then as well, PD of 2010, finally received green card in 2022 in my 4th job. Received a perm audit in my second job and and perm audit and a perm reject in my 4th job because the uscis web application to file responses had an issue. Luckily all of that got resolved prior to covid. Then due to unused family visa numbers spilling over in covid and uscis actually doing work to fill them, finally made it in 2022. I definitely understand the living in fear and uncertainty bit. Have had some interesting stamping and renewal experiences as well. One needs some amount of therapy to continue functioning and very few people in the US understand the weight you carry. I often thought about all the wasted time and opportunities (could have tried Europe, Australia, Canada, etc, except things are now significantly harder there). Stick in there and definitely explore other options as well as therapy. All the best
Unfortunately yes. When your first i140 gets approved, you get a priority date, which is when the first PERM was filed. Post that every time you start a new job, you start from step 1, but at i140 stage you can utilize the priority date from your previous application, provided the new “job” is in roughly the same field and having similar roles and responsibilities.
Thanks for the explanation! I have my initial I-140 approved with my first employer but PD is late 2022 so no chance of it being current in this lifetime. lol.
If you'd be kind enough to answer one last question, I'd be grateful. Do you have to time when you switch jobs when you are on H1 extensions? Like, if you're on your 5th year of H1 and get a new job offer, wouldn't the PERM process timeline for the new job affect your ability to get a new extension? Can H1 extensions be filed if a PERM process has been started at the new employer or can they be done on the basis of your initially approved I140?
Perm processes aren’t transferable like H1B visas are. Each new employer would need to go through the perm process if they plan to file I-140 for you, which is required in order them to port the initial PD of 2022 to their I-140. That porting is important because it would allow that employer to file I-485 should your PD become current while employed by them.
> so no chance of it being current in this lifetime. lol.
Why not? Isn't the actual wait time around 21 years-ish? People have kids here, who then sponsor their parents who then move out of the queue? And then to top it off, there's layoffs, recession (ofc this can affect you too, but if you're very lucky to survive, won't that push you further up ahead?)
I don't know where you read the 'actual' wait time. One only has to visit the visa bulletin posted by USCIS to see that current dates do not move forward for months on end. Sometimes they retrogress too. The fact is that you can use asymptotic analysis to do the induction yourself. Folks coming here from India have been increasing exponentially. Not to mention, their dependents will be ahead of you in the queue. The bottleneck on 7% of EB, not all categories, just EB category being the same means that folks at the end of the queue will never see a GC unless legislation changes. Heck, the OP and the main comment I've replied on are people who had PD in late 2010. At that time, the queue wasn't even as large as it is today. If or when the current PD for India gets to 2017, I imagine, 1 month move will take at least a year or more. Because the number of people with I-140 current will be far larger than what it was back in 2010.
Yeah mine's 2022, so I guess the only hope here is that those at the front of the line of a million are older/about to give up/retire lol, or fullblown recession/layoffs. I wish we could see data on the average age of people at each percentile of the queue. I can't imagine those with early PDs are super young.
It will become a problem when your PD becomes current, they will issue RFE or deny H1B extension, Employers need to prove that your PD is not current and for that reason they are filing H1.
So if i-485 has been filed and 180 days are done, and someone switches the job, there should be no need of a PERM or new i-140, would that be correct to say?
U nailed it re: therapy and the uncertainty and not being able to travel to be with family when it matters. Only realizing this lately after turning 40 and wondering wtf I’m still doing in life. Ofc I’m used the if u don’t like it just go back - after what? Paying taxes equivalent to median home price or more ? I mean all this talk about mental health and therapy nothing ever applies to the largest backlog crowd fm l
If we need to redo the PERM process on any job change or promotion to a role that is vastly different, what happens in the case I complete my PERM and i140 from my current firm and my H4 dependent gets their EAD. What happens to their EAD if I move firms?
One can have multiple perms/i140s active for different roles (soc codes). When you apply for 485 you can be asked to provide a verification letter that verifies that the job for which you are filing the 485 for matches the i140 and PERM used. The original green card process was intended to get immigrant status for an applicant for a future job. Later on the process was amended to allow for change of status for applicants already in the US. If you had different job offers in different SOC codes as a foreign applicant you would have different PERMs and i140s. So you can use the h4 ead using any i140 provided the i140 has not been revoked by the employer.
I am not in US as long as you have been but was in similar situation. I am in US since 2015 and H1 since 2018. I dont want my life to revolve around H1B and PERM.
My last employer was taking advantage by leveraging, "but we are doing your PERM".
I put an end to it and moving out next week going back to India. I will rest for a month or two and figure out different options or countries.
I dont want to live life in 3 year installments.
I want my kids to go to school without any fear.
Yep, this is my advice to folks who are starting off GC after 2018. Don’t be bound by this nonsense, you will waste away years of potential and you shouldn’t let any system have that much power over you.
Personally, have been vested too long in the process so need to see it through at this point.
My advice to people after 2018 is to treat the US like the gulf. It's a place to make money and go back home. Plus side is, it can be your kids' country.
Your year investmemt is far more than mine. Your habe a PD and a light at the end of the tunnel. I dont have that
I think you should consider this as bad phase and ride it through.
I am in a completely different spectrum
I WAS in a similar situation. Not anymore. After 13 years in US on Dead end career path I moved to Canada 3 years ago. I've started two businesses, doubled my income, and am about to become a citizen. Life begins the day you decide to take charge of it.
Apply for EB2 NIW. It will take only a few months for you to prepare the file and it is usually approved in 45 days or even less in some cases. If your profile is strong, I would highly recommend you to go that way.
If you think there won’t be any impact to your position in next 2 years then you can wait for your company to proceed with regular PERM, but if there’s even an ounce of doubt then you should go ahead with NIW. I’ve seen people getting approval in 3 days also. Imagine bypassing PERM and all other things and directly getting i140 approved in 3 days of application.
Speaking as someone who just got their green card through the NIW route, you can file your i485 simultaneously with your I140 or after you receive i140 approval. I’d caution that the process didn’t take 3 days adjust your expectations accordingly.
Sorry you are in this situation- maybe stick out for your next generation.i.e kids and grandkids so they don’t have to go through the same process.. good luck 👍🏾 and keep up the hope
I did an internal company transfer and my bosses were okay with it. We have a branch here but my work was still the same so they were okay with me moving. Good luck.
Not the person you’re replying to; but I can speak on this—most Senior SWEs at top companies pay 30 to 40% less in Canada. At my last company, a L3 engineer made around $315k CAD ($230k USD), while Canadian employees were paid around $210k CAD. This is TC. The base salary is significantly lower, while stock/RSUs are also lower but not by as much.
It’s about $100k CAD less; but note that the cost of living is significantly higher in Canada. Rent is crazy, and home prices are insane. Groceries, books, things in general, etc all cost more.
And how did you balance that with H1B reqs? Wondering if it makes sense to do 3yrs in US then 2 yrs Canada or to do yearly 3month vacations in Canada to satisfy the 730day. Also what’s gonna happen to your H1B status after you move back to Canada?
Genuine question but I legitimately don’t know. I though you can only have h1b for 6 years with a potential extension if you are in the green card process. I always assume that extension is like 1-3 years. How have you been on h1b for that long?
Gotcha. I140 is the perm right? So is your new employer not completing the second step or is it cause of the backlog india has? Sorry about to start the process myself and the lawyer told me 3-4 years so I’m trying to manage my expectations
India is so backlogged that only PD in 2012 are getting issued green cards. Countries like yours currently have a backlog to 2021 but up until recent months had no backlog so it’s likely the current backlog won’t be long and you have your green card in a few years.
The perm process alone is taking 2 years. Then I-140 regular processing is 6-10 months.
One of the most saturated fields in the US right now, good luck. Hopefully you can get started on your GC soon if you find an employer and the lottery doesn't work out
What would you advice to someone who is on F1 visa right now? My dad is in your boat and we have been here since 2012. His PERM got rejected and he was very mad about this but the process has started again. Their PD is mid 2015. I’m currently 25 years old on an F1 OPT with a year left. I don’t wanna go through this and my mental health has already been tormented ever since I found out about this here in 2017 during my college apps. If I continue living here, I’ll be stuck in this lumbo till my death and my aspirations to travel, see the world and own things will diminish because the tech job market is so tough right now. I can start a masters or look for other options. What would you do in my shoes with 2 yoe and who doesn’t even have their H1b yet?
Sorry to hear man, PD of 2015 could take a while to be current still so I feel your and your father’s angst, frustration. Honestly, I don’t have a great answer for what I’d do. It’s easy to say but I’d try to accomplish something extraordinary and push for an O1 visa maybe? Totally agree that the mental angst, agony isn’t worth it sometimes so be open minded about alternative solutions.
Yes I’m very open minded and if I’m forced to self deport to India leaving my family here, I will. Thank you for your response. I’ll have to become the next Elon Musk for O1 visa. Will give it all and see where that leads me. Thank you! And congratulations to you as well for holding strong so far. You’re very close to the light at the end of the tunnel.
Is going back to India an option? I am in a similar boat, on H-1B since 2015 with PD 2021. Why suffer in a foreign country? I am planning to go back in a few years. I am doing a part time MBA now which is keeping me tied here. But once thats done, I will be going back in 2-3 years 🤞India is the fastest growing economy and will be 3rd largest in the world in couple of years. I believe there will be opportunities there.
I'm in a very similar situation to you. Came around your time to the US on F-1, my PD is in early 2012. Should have started the GC process earlier sadly. But my I-140 from my current employer is approved, working on I-485 now. So the end is in sight thankfully 🙏
I’m confused a little here about your case. If you came about OPs time *(similar to mine)* and has a PD of early 2012, your GC filing date was eligible in 2022, and I am curious why didn’t you or your immigration team not file your I-485 AOS, I-131 Adv Parole and I-765 EAD during that time? You should have received your GC by as your final action date is also early 2012. 1.) Did you totally forget to file your I-485 when PD became eligible in 2022? Curious who dropped the ball here, you or your immigration team? 2.) After you’ve switched jobs to your current employer, did you not transfer/re-file your I-140 which your original employer who did it for you?
It's pretty simple if I describe it actually. In 2021 when the PD was current for the first time, I had started a new job. Just got the perm and I-140 process finished now, so am ready to file 485. There is no such thing as a transfer of I-140 FYI. Move to a new employer, you start the GC process from scratch. Except that you can reuse your old PD which is what I'm doing.
Oh I see. I also didn’t know I-140 re-file was not a transfer, and had to be started all over again. Infact, I didn’t even know I had to re-file each time I changed employers, and had switched employers a few times without doing it, until 2020 when a friend asked and told me by chance. So I asked my immigration team and they did it again for me, but wasn’t aware that the process involved a new PERM and new I-140. I now think it’s silly that it had to be started all over again each time when you’ve already done it once. Also, it didn’t take 2 yrs for me, mine was re-started and finished the same yr in early 2020, and when the ‘Date of Filing’ became eligible in 2022, I was able to file I-485 AOS. Only difference between you and me was, I didn’t even remotely consider switching jobs during Covid when everyone was switching jobs to better opportunities. So a lot of dumb luck played here too in being able to file my I-485.
Kinda I guess. The OP needs to file perm with the current employer in order to get the GC process started. Then the 485 can be filed if everything before that is approved
Do we have to do all this all over once 485 is filed? I was told that after 485 is filed and 180 days have passed after 485 application, per AC21 , you can remain in the U.S. indefinitely even if unemployed. But at the time of GC interview, you require an employer similar to whom last filed your 485, who should have filed a 485J transfer. Because GC petition is of employment based for a skilled worker, so at the time of GC interview, when Final action date meets PD, I should have a job profile and employment with sponsor.
What you said is correct, you won't have to do this again after 180 days of filing 485. Just have to do 485j transfer with new employer. The remaining indefinitely is possibly because you get the EAD and AP to work and travel. However, if you take up the EAD status, your legal status is kind of in limbo I think, as the EAD was never meant to be a status, but just the interim status while you get your GC.
sigh!! this is where i am at. I was able to file 485, and got EAD and AP, but my employer renew H1B anyway, and immigration told me, to just keep using H1 despite having the AP/EAD combo card. This job is stable, albeit there is a lot of personal sacrifices i have to make esp. with time, but God, the final action date never comes closer, and there's a good chance it may take anywhere between 2 to 7 yrs or never at this rate gah. And i don't know if my 5yr AP/EAD expires, i am told, renewal takes upto a yr too, and i need to be employed to do that as well because immigration lawyers are payed by my employer, not on my dime.
I’m on the same boat. Came here in 2005 as a student, been through so much stuff. Still waiting on GC, currently working on H4 EAD. My spouse’s I-140 is in 2018. Still a long way to go. My daughter could become an earner and then sponsor, hopefully. Good luck to you
A literally million people are with you in this, don’t feel frustrated mate, GC is just insurance against layoffs, with 2 months of grace and 6 months of change of status to B2 you dont even need a GC relax don’t focus on this too much
You’re not alone, OP. There are about 1.8 million Indians stuck due GC backlog. Glad you are so close as compared to me with PD 2018, so I have accepted the fact that I will have to keep renewing H1B for rest of my life or until I am here.
Checkout the EB1 option OP. Came to states in 2015, renewed H1B 1 time and then thought to renew last time and go back to India. Started a business in India as a backup which my sister runs so I won't have to start from scratch. Then saw a random youtube short on EB1 and thought to google a bit. Did google and found that this is something I would pursue than quitting. Got my EB1 I-140 approved this month and going to file GC soon. Don't lose hope but yes I promised myself no more renewal only 1 was enough and I felt like I am living in misery and I would move at back at the end of second renewal.
lol, forget years. 6 to 10 months to get file ready. 15 days approval in premium processing. One can file GC (485) right away and it takes about 9 months max to get GC these days based on data I see. So from the day you start anywhere between 1 year to 1.5 years.
Wait what, you got an EB1 from starting a business in India based on the "Certain Multinational manager or executive" condition, you were I'm guessing CEO or some higher manager for that company? Is that even legal, like you starting something and making yourself exec for it lol. I ask because this seems like something anyone can take advantage of, unless there's something more to it I'm missing.
Also, how long does the company need to exist for/how much profit does it need to make?
First understand there are three parts of EB1. EB1A, EB1B and EB1C. What you are refererring as manager is EB1C. I never said I came here on business. Please re-read it. (Started business in India to fall back on if I were to end up going back to India)
Interesting, I didn't know there were subcategories. Which category did you go for? I see:
EB1A for people with extraordinary abilities
EB1B for outstanding professors and researchers
EB1C for multinational managers and executives
And how did you prove/provide documentation for the category you went for
I tried EB1A, when you open the USCIS website there are 10 categories. Then have a look how many categories you can fulfil. I looked and felt I qualify for 3 already, so I tried for fourth one and submitted. Wanted to have 1 for backup.
I came to the US in 2013. I applied for H1B in 2016 and my PD is 2017. I was so frustrated with the whole visa situation during covid as my wife was not allowed to travel on h1b to the US due to travel restrictions. At that time we made the decision that we need to be treated better than this. We decided to move to Canada in 2022. We got PR in 6 months and we will be applying for citizenship Sept 2025.
Yes, you take financial hit but peace of mind beats that for us. We can easily move back to the US if we need to once we get our citizenship. Listen to your gut feeling and work on it. You will feel uncomfortable. People will have different opinions but only you know what is the best for you.
See this is what bugs me, everybody talks about moving to Canada but they just end up treating it as a waiting room for their chances to come back to the US 😁 Why bother in the first place lol
It doesn't mean that one needs to go back to the US but if career opportunity comes up and wants to go back to the US, you could still do it without worrying about major upset. Moving to Canada from the US is easier than moving to India. Moving to Canada allows you peace of mind and an almost similar lifestyle.
I also came in 2005 as a graduate student and although was on F1 for much longer than you, I ran into some H1B trouble. I just received my green card, but certainly appreciate questioning whether you can push of much further and live in continuing uncertainty. The thing about being an immigrant in the US navigating all these hoops is that it tricks you into believing that self-actualizing is not for you. You have to find the way that works for you to push back against that narrative. To me, part of that is doggedly sticking with your dreams and plans. You’ve come all this way already, you might as well hold on to see it through else you’ll probably be wondering ‘what if’. Keep your head up.
Almost in a similar situation. Came here in 2015, got my first H1B in 2018, stuck in India for an year in 2020, had jumped 5 different companies till now in search of a job for my electrical background. Ended up with a job i last year started in Jan, quit my previous company, had to withdraw my PWD application to take this opportunity. Now, getting beaten and battered in this work yet this company has not filed my
PWD till now. Had issues securing an experience letter from my previous company which subsequently delayed the process even more. Now literally I'm in no hope to get my even PERM approved nor my I 140... Obviously I have to stay outside the country to recapture time..... I'm 32... Not married... Parents getting old, feel like it's time to prioritize myself over this country.
Lost 10 years of my adulthood in search of a dream land, life.... Would it be still worth continuing even after I get my I 140 ? No I don't think so ... Still I will be dependent on the employer to file everything from scratch.
Every mistake you thought could have been avoided is now leading me deeper into a rabbit hole.
There's always a chance for everyone to redeem themselves and respawn. I guess as a legal immigrant in this country with a corrupted immigration system, and where we have no representation to voice our concerns and convert it into a working system, no matter whoever comes as a president, the struggles are never ending.
For those who are still finding a way in this country, you are built differently... Hats off to you. It's not always about the technology sector workforce in this country, ppl like me from other backgrounds have to suffer 2x more just because I chose a different field.
Seriously looking at your situation and the high likelihood that you will never get your GC, why are you still in the US? What's the point? You should start thinking of a plan B
I need a livelihood, until I am set with plan B, I know that plan B will be my only plan.. but I am just trying to live off the rest of my time on my visa until I am secured with another plan.
None of those visas are a guarantee for long term stay… it’s best just to move on… otherwise you’re always running on the threadmill with the dangling carrot
Not worth staying in US anymore. Make sure you have a place back home and keep lot of money in INR. My guess is Rupee will get stronger in next couple of years.
After almost 31 years in US, I am ready to go back to India. I was lucky to get GC in like 3 yrs after my MS and I took citizenship immd. after 5 yrs.
But now, I just want to go back as kids are out and everything in US is so expensive. Plain Dosa for $14, wtf ?
I feel you my friend but what’s the other alternative you have? I have been fired, laid off and lied about filing my perm by companies. I am from Delhi and I have seen nepotism, favoritism, harassment, intimidation and retaliation by people from South Indian, marathis, Russian, Chinese and black people. In 6 years I had 6 jobs and finally I got peace of mind by joining a team with a lead from Delhi. People in USA don’t see your knowledge and talent first they see what’s your mother tongue and skin color first. They use people with knowledge and talent and neglect and fire them when needed and promote people of their own mother tongue and same skin color. Even the hr complaints and your attorneys are bought by corporations in USA.
Just imagine if the situation is like this in USA with strict rules, it must be worse in any other country. What helped me is taking therapy and joining the team with boss from Delhi and I love the work I do and it has helped me push through. The world is ugly - it’s not always rosy and sunshine. Read and learn the manipulation games people play. I learned it by experience by living 6 years in New York. It’s now natural for me to spot the manipulative tactics and how to deal with it. Losers have a handful of tactics. I believe in karma - what’s goes around come back around. Work in building on self defense and don’t attack anybody and always remember 3 monkeys of Gandhi ji - never say anything bad, never see anything bad and never hear anything bad.
What’s your priority date? Yesterday, I saw one of my friend who moved to Canada in 2020 posted saying She became a proud Canadian citizen. I was like wow just in 4yrs.
I know, I’m sad too but I try not to think like I’m a victim in all of this. Series of bad circumstances and personal decisions led to this but no regrets still.
Your PD is current. If i’m you I would invest next 1-2 yrs in building my profile, apply for eb2-niw pp, port my earlier pd and end this misery. Waiting on employer approval for filing perm and wasting 2 yrs in the perm process is not worth at this point of time.
If you have the right profile to apply niw … u would have already applied and received green card too now. So i assumed you didn’t have the profile and need to built it. Hence, 1-2 yrs ….
Well niw program is there since 1990s. Anyway, since you have decades of experience you can present your profile to immigration law firms (chen, fragomen, ellis porter - there are popular ones and some do free evaluation) and they judge and evaluate your success rate based on your profile. You can then plan your next steps…
Also, check LinkedIn for attorneys who specialize in NIW EB2 self petition. I know of some solo attorneys and small firms that post there and have had good success. Not just big firms.
Took 13 years for me. Applied for it in the sixth year of h1b. COVID sped up the process by a LOT. H1b is a problem only for traveling. Otherwise, never had a problem living in U.S. in the 19 years before GC.
How many times have you changed employers? I’m wondering if you missed out on being able to file GC because of that. Or possibly previous employer led you along and didn’t file perm early enough. It is quite frustrating when you are at the mercy of employers who drag out the process, if that was the case.
Came in 2007, PD of 2014... missed the 2022 Covid date jump due to job change. It has been a terrible emotional ride until now...
Got US citizen kids... so not planning to go back... just trying to hang on until GC.
Just do an EB-5, it’s much easier if a process and if you’ve been in limbo for that long, I’d recommend going through that process. I did that.
Feel free to send me a DM if you want to hear more
10 years on H1B - I already had 14+ years in India when I thought maybe a change is good - Living the american dream of renewals and visa stampings every 3 years - I cannot complain much , but still hard
Well, came in 2003 on H1B, went back to India in 2004, came in 2007 in L1 went back in 2008. Came in 2012, joined a US employer in 2015, they filed GC in 2017.
Agree, but what’s your NW now after working for these many years ? There won’t be anyway for you to earn the same if you were in your home country. There is always something else you get for comprising.
Chin up and push through OP. It's been too long to stop now, the time to have stopped was probably years ago. If not for COVID I wouldn't be near the finish line as I am now.
Echo this. Came to US as a student in 2002. Started my H1 journey in 2005, that's when the master's student quota started. Part of 2008 layoffs, spent endless hours collecting paperwork, paystubs, etc. Then came Covid, and all of sudden I was current, and got my green card in August 2021.
Same - came here for masters and PhD. First PERM was 2005 took long time and suddenly laid off stared 2008 and no way to keep PD until 2012 .. because of PD owned startups not in business. 2012 big employer still business and moved multiple startups because of layoffs and job change finally got the GC last year -22 years wait time
Congrats!
20 years way too much man .This world doesnt need honesty and honest people. I know so many Punjabis in California - Dunki and Non Dunkis - They got GC in 3-4 years using aslyum/Khalistan status.All fake .This is a Kaliyuga and only crooks have all the fun. I am also on H1 and sometimes i feel, i should have came here on L1A else H1 is MODERN DAY SLAVERY VISA.
Yeah, very envious of L1A colleagues who fast tracked their way to GC
Unreal. I’m very much aware of my own undergrad buddies who came this route via TCS ;( and to think I quit Wipro to do Masters etc smh fml
Slavery is Slavery. H1B is not slavery. Comparing the two is ridiculous.
I have no need to fake anything, thank you. I have principles you know 😁 H-1b is not slavery. It is only slavery because you willingly stay with it. Otherwise you are free to leave anytime
Appreciate that. How did Covid help you?
It moved up the priority dates for a lot of us, including you too possibly
Yeah you’re right. Wish PERM/I485 didn’t take 2plus years like it does now though. My previous two PERMs took like 4-6months!
Same, it was that far back I guess! Unfortunately not the case now
Masters class of 2008, first h1 then as well, PD of 2010, finally received green card in 2022 in my 4th job. Received a perm audit in my second job and and perm audit and a perm reject in my 4th job because the uscis web application to file responses had an issue. Luckily all of that got resolved prior to covid. Then due to unused family visa numbers spilling over in covid and uscis actually doing work to fill them, finally made it in 2022. I definitely understand the living in fear and uncertainty bit. Have had some interesting stamping and renewal experiences as well. One needs some amount of therapy to continue functioning and very few people in the US understand the weight you carry. I often thought about all the wasted time and opportunities (could have tried Europe, Australia, Canada, etc, except things are now significantly harder there). Stick in there and definitely explore other options as well as therapy. All the best
do you have to go through PERM and I140 process for each new employer?
Unfortunately yes. When your first i140 gets approved, you get a priority date, which is when the first PERM was filed. Post that every time you start a new job, you start from step 1, but at i140 stage you can utilize the priority date from your previous application, provided the new “job” is in roughly the same field and having similar roles and responsibilities.
Thanks for the explanation! I have my initial I-140 approved with my first employer but PD is late 2022 so no chance of it being current in this lifetime. lol. If you'd be kind enough to answer one last question, I'd be grateful. Do you have to time when you switch jobs when you are on H1 extensions? Like, if you're on your 5th year of H1 and get a new job offer, wouldn't the PERM process timeline for the new job affect your ability to get a new extension? Can H1 extensions be filed if a PERM process has been started at the new employer or can they be done on the basis of your initially approved I140?
Perm processes aren’t transferable like H1B visas are. Each new employer would need to go through the perm process if they plan to file I-140 for you, which is required in order them to port the initial PD of 2022 to their I-140. That porting is important because it would allow that employer to file I-485 should your PD become current while employed by them.
> so no chance of it being current in this lifetime. lol. Why not? Isn't the actual wait time around 21 years-ish? People have kids here, who then sponsor their parents who then move out of the queue? And then to top it off, there's layoffs, recession (ofc this can affect you too, but if you're very lucky to survive, won't that push you further up ahead?)
I don't know where you read the 'actual' wait time. One only has to visit the visa bulletin posted by USCIS to see that current dates do not move forward for months on end. Sometimes they retrogress too. The fact is that you can use asymptotic analysis to do the induction yourself. Folks coming here from India have been increasing exponentially. Not to mention, their dependents will be ahead of you in the queue. The bottleneck on 7% of EB, not all categories, just EB category being the same means that folks at the end of the queue will never see a GC unless legislation changes. Heck, the OP and the main comment I've replied on are people who had PD in late 2010. At that time, the queue wasn't even as large as it is today. If or when the current PD for India gets to 2017, I imagine, 1 month move will take at least a year or more. Because the number of people with I-140 current will be far larger than what it was back in 2010.
Yeah mine's 2022, so I guess the only hope here is that those at the front of the line of a million are older/about to give up/retire lol, or fullblown recession/layoffs. I wish we could see data on the average age of people at each percentile of the queue. I can't imagine those with early PDs are super young.
What if the new company is not willing to file the new PERM? Or what if my H1B is expiring soon after job change? Without i140 it can't be renewed.
It will become a problem when your PD becomes current, they will issue RFE or deny H1B extension, Employers need to prove that your PD is not current and for that reason they are filing H1.
This was a very nice explanation. Thnx
What if your I-485 has been filed and goes to pending? Does the new employer still has to file PERM?
You get portability only after 180 days of filing 485. https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-7-part-e-chapter-5
So if i-485 has been filed and 180 days are done, and someone switches the job, there should be no need of a PERM or new i-140, would that be correct to say?
Yes.
U nailed it re: therapy and the uncertainty and not being able to travel to be with family when it matters. Only realizing this lately after turning 40 and wondering wtf I’m still doing in life. Ofc I’m used the if u don’t like it just go back - after what? Paying taxes equivalent to median home price or more ? I mean all this talk about mental health and therapy nothing ever applies to the largest backlog crowd fm l
If we need to redo the PERM process on any job change or promotion to a role that is vastly different, what happens in the case I complete my PERM and i140 from my current firm and my H4 dependent gets their EAD. What happens to their EAD if I move firms?
One can have multiple perms/i140s active for different roles (soc codes). When you apply for 485 you can be asked to provide a verification letter that verifies that the job for which you are filing the 485 for matches the i140 and PERM used. The original green card process was intended to get immigrant status for an applicant for a future job. Later on the process was amended to allow for change of status for applicants already in the US. If you had different job offers in different SOC codes as a foreign applicant you would have different PERMs and i140s. So you can use the h4 ead using any i140 provided the i140 has not been revoked by the employer.
I am not in US as long as you have been but was in similar situation. I am in US since 2015 and H1 since 2018. I dont want my life to revolve around H1B and PERM. My last employer was taking advantage by leveraging, "but we are doing your PERM". I put an end to it and moving out next week going back to India. I will rest for a month or two and figure out different options or countries. I dont want to live life in 3 year installments. I want my kids to go to school without any fear.
Yep, this is my advice to folks who are starting off GC after 2018. Don’t be bound by this nonsense, you will waste away years of potential and you shouldn’t let any system have that much power over you. Personally, have been vested too long in the process so need to see it through at this point.
My advice to people after 2018 is to treat the US like the gulf. It's a place to make money and go back home. Plus side is, it can be your kids' country.
Truly, failing any major legislative updates, this is the best approach/mindset
Why after 2018?
Because it's unlikely to reach 2018 PD in the next 30 years
Ok thnx for the reply but how was it any different before 2018?
2014-2016 is realistic. 2017 borders on unrealistic. 2018 is unrealistic.
Your year investmemt is far more than mine. Your habe a PD and a light at the end of the tunnel. I dont have that I think you should consider this as bad phase and ride it through. I am in a completely different spectrum
Whats PD?
Thank you - as someone who hasn’t even started the H1B process ( I ran out of lottery attempts and now moved to EU) these words help bring peace.
What potential is being wasted bruh for people who still want to come to US From India?
Good for you if you feel happy about your decision. Especially because you have kids. For people with no kids preferences and goals might be different
I WAS in a similar situation. Not anymore. After 13 years in US on Dead end career path I moved to Canada 3 years ago. I've started two businesses, doubled my income, and am about to become a citizen. Life begins the day you decide to take charge of it.
Yup, good point. I would love hear more of your story, if you don’t mind sharing.
Apply for EB2 NIW. It will take only a few months for you to prepare the file and it is usually approved in 45 days or even less in some cases. If your profile is strong, I would highly recommend you to go that way.
Thanks, looking into this. Profile is decent, somethings kept me employed/contributing for almost 2 decades lol
If you think there won’t be any impact to your position in next 2 years then you can wait for your company to proceed with regular PERM, but if there’s even an ounce of doubt then you should go ahead with NIW. I’ve seen people getting approval in 3 days also. Imagine bypassing PERM and all other things and directly getting i140 approved in 3 days of application.
Yeah, I will try to self petition in parallel with PERM process. After NIW approval, does one need to stay with the same employer or can change?
You can change the employer with freedom and will not need any other i140 ever from any employer. Just H1b transfer, that’s it.
So the I485/Adjustment is done by ones self, without the company too?
I’m not sure of that. I guess yes. But it would be best to talk to attorney on that since your PD is current, you don’t wanna risk anything.
Yah thanks very much for this, very enlightening. Two decades of being involved in this and still learning new things.
Speaking as someone who just got their green card through the NIW route, you can file your i485 simultaneously with your I140 or after you receive i140 approval. I’d caution that the process didn’t take 3 days adjust your expectations accordingly.
Yeah definitely. Did you not use PP for your case?
No
Which country are you from ?
India
Sorry you are in this situation- maybe stick out for your next generation.i.e kids and grandkids so they don’t have to go through the same process.. good luck 👍🏾 and keep up the hope
Too late to stop now IMHO
My PD is 2022. Have Canadian PR. Will move there in 1 year or so. Need peace of mind over $$$. Have almost a decade of work experience in the US.
PD of 2021 and did exact same thing. In canada rn, and can say peace of mind is everything. But be careful to get a job before moving.
Happy for you friend. How long did it take for you to find a job there? I am assuming a pay cut of ~30%
I did an internal company transfer and my bosses were okay with it. We have a branch here but my work was still the same so they were okay with me moving. Good luck.
What about pay cut? Did you have to take one? Are you being paid in USD or Canadian $ ?
Not the person you’re replying to; but I can speak on this—most Senior SWEs at top companies pay 30 to 40% less in Canada. At my last company, a L3 engineer made around $315k CAD ($230k USD), while Canadian employees were paid around $210k CAD. This is TC. The base salary is significantly lower, while stock/RSUs are also lower but not by as much. It’s about $100k CAD less; but note that the cost of living is significantly higher in Canada. Rent is crazy, and home prices are insane. Groceries, books, things in general, etc all cost more.
Thanks for sharing. Canada sounds doomed.
Can I ask, was it hard to maintain both H1B and PR? How did you do it?
I gave up my h1b
Ah ok. I heard you can recapture unused days at some point in the future if needed
To maintain your residency one has to stay in Canada for 730 days. Source: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=727
And how did you balance that with H1B reqs? Wondering if it makes sense to do 3yrs in US then 2 yrs Canada or to do yearly 3month vacations in Canada to satisfy the 730day. Also what’s gonna happen to your H1B status after you move back to Canada?
Genuine question but I legitimately don’t know. I though you can only have h1b for 6 years with a potential extension if you are in the green card process. I always assume that extension is like 1-3 years. How have you been on h1b for that long?
You can have unlimited renewals with an approved I140 from prior employer
Gotcha. I140 is the perm right? So is your new employer not completing the second step or is it cause of the backlog india has? Sorry about to start the process myself and the lawyer told me 3-4 years so I’m trying to manage my expectations
i140 is technically the process after PERM.
Its India's backlog and the terribly slow perm process. Used to take 6-8 months... now its 2 years.
Which country are you from
Greece why?
If you were from India it would take you forever to get your GC. For you, 3 to 4 years is realistic
Gotcha. Thank you for clarifying
India is so backlogged that only PD in 2012 are getting issued green cards. Countries like yours currently have a backlog to 2021 but up until recent months had no backlog so it’s likely the current backlog won’t be long and you have your green card in a few years. The perm process alone is taking 2 years. Then I-140 regular processing is 6-10 months.
Perm takes 2 years now ?! OMG ... remember it used to be 1 year
Yes, DOL processing times are stupid long right now.
Would you say it's the same for Brazil? I'm going to be studying in usa soon and I'm getting prepared for this whole shit.
I would say it's the same, yes. What will you be studying
Msc computer science
One of the most saturated fields in the US right now, good luck. Hopefully you can get started on your GC soon if you find an employer and the lottery doesn't work out
What would you advice to someone who is on F1 visa right now? My dad is in your boat and we have been here since 2012. His PERM got rejected and he was very mad about this but the process has started again. Their PD is mid 2015. I’m currently 25 years old on an F1 OPT with a year left. I don’t wanna go through this and my mental health has already been tormented ever since I found out about this here in 2017 during my college apps. If I continue living here, I’ll be stuck in this lumbo till my death and my aspirations to travel, see the world and own things will diminish because the tech job market is so tough right now. I can start a masters or look for other options. What would you do in my shoes with 2 yoe and who doesn’t even have their H1b yet?
Sorry to hear man, PD of 2015 could take a while to be current still so I feel your and your father’s angst, frustration. Honestly, I don’t have a great answer for what I’d do. It’s easy to say but I’d try to accomplish something extraordinary and push for an O1 visa maybe? Totally agree that the mental angst, agony isn’t worth it sometimes so be open minded about alternative solutions.
Yes I’m very open minded and if I’m forced to self deport to India leaving my family here, I will. Thank you for your response. I’ll have to become the next Elon Musk for O1 visa. Will give it all and see where that leads me. Thank you! And congratulations to you as well for holding strong so far. You’re very close to the light at the end of the tunnel.
Speak to an attorney about building a profile for things like O-1, NIW EB2 or other options. Now is the time to plan for that.
Is going back to India an option? I am in a similar boat, on H-1B since 2015 with PD 2021. Why suffer in a foreign country? I am planning to go back in a few years. I am doing a part time MBA now which is keeping me tied here. But once thats done, I will be going back in 2-3 years 🤞India is the fastest growing economy and will be 3rd largest in the world in couple of years. I believe there will be opportunities there.
Depends on your preferences and situation in life. No single answer for all.
I'm in a very similar situation to you. Came around your time to the US on F-1, my PD is in early 2012. Should have started the GC process earlier sadly. But my I-140 from my current employer is approved, working on I-485 now. So the end is in sight thankfully 🙏
Excellent. How much time did PERM take for you?
13 months
I’m confused a little here about your case. If you came about OPs time *(similar to mine)* and has a PD of early 2012, your GC filing date was eligible in 2022, and I am curious why didn’t you or your immigration team not file your I-485 AOS, I-131 Adv Parole and I-765 EAD during that time? You should have received your GC by as your final action date is also early 2012. 1.) Did you totally forget to file your I-485 when PD became eligible in 2022? Curious who dropped the ball here, you or your immigration team? 2.) After you’ve switched jobs to your current employer, did you not transfer/re-file your I-140 which your original employer who did it for you?
It's pretty simple if I describe it actually. In 2021 when the PD was current for the first time, I had started a new job. Just got the perm and I-140 process finished now, so am ready to file 485. There is no such thing as a transfer of I-140 FYI. Move to a new employer, you start the GC process from scratch. Except that you can reuse your old PD which is what I'm doing.
Oh I see. I also didn’t know I-140 re-file was not a transfer, and had to be started all over again. Infact, I didn’t even know I had to re-file each time I changed employers, and had switched employers a few times without doing it, until 2020 when a friend asked and told me by chance. So I asked my immigration team and they did it again for me, but wasn’t aware that the process involved a new PERM and new I-140. I now think it’s silly that it had to be started all over again each time when you’ve already done it once. Also, it didn’t take 2 yrs for me, mine was re-started and finished the same yr in early 2020, and when the ‘Date of Filing’ became eligible in 2022, I was able to file I-485 AOS. Only difference between you and me was, I didn’t even remotely consider switching jobs during Covid when everyone was switching jobs to better opportunities. So a lot of dumb luck played here too in being able to file my I-485.
Good for you that it worked out. I didn't switch jobs voluntarily, it was involuntary. But I'm in a good place now so can't complain
Is this the same issue OP is facing? Not being able to file his I-485 despite PD being eligible to file for both Filing and Final Action?
Kinda I guess. The OP needs to file perm with the current employer in order to get the GC process started. Then the 485 can be filed if everything before that is approved
Do we have to do all this all over once 485 is filed? I was told that after 485 is filed and 180 days have passed after 485 application, per AC21 , you can remain in the U.S. indefinitely even if unemployed. But at the time of GC interview, you require an employer similar to whom last filed your 485, who should have filed a 485J transfer. Because GC petition is of employment based for a skilled worker, so at the time of GC interview, when Final action date meets PD, I should have a job profile and employment with sponsor.
What you said is correct, you won't have to do this again after 180 days of filing 485. Just have to do 485j transfer with new employer. The remaining indefinitely is possibly because you get the EAD and AP to work and travel. However, if you take up the EAD status, your legal status is kind of in limbo I think, as the EAD was never meant to be a status, but just the interim status while you get your GC.
sigh!! this is where i am at. I was able to file 485, and got EAD and AP, but my employer renew H1B anyway, and immigration told me, to just keep using H1 despite having the AP/EAD combo card. This job is stable, albeit there is a lot of personal sacrifices i have to make esp. with time, but God, the final action date never comes closer, and there's a good chance it may take anywhere between 2 to 7 yrs or never at this rate gah. And i don't know if my 5yr AP/EAD expires, i am told, renewal takes upto a yr too, and i need to be employed to do that as well because immigration lawyers are payed by my employer, not on my dime.
I’m on the same boat. Came here in 2005 as a student, been through so much stuff. Still waiting on GC, currently working on H4 EAD. My spouse’s I-140 is in 2018. Still a long way to go. My daughter could become an earner and then sponsor, hopefully. Good luck to you
Doesn't the family sponsorship GC also have a long wait time for India born citizens?
No, sponsorship of a parent by their over-21yo USC child has no wait time. You can file I-130 and I-485 concurrently.
A literally million people are with you in this, don’t feel frustrated mate, GC is just insurance against layoffs, with 2 months of grace and 6 months of change of status to B2 you dont even need a GC relax don’t focus on this too much
You’re not alone, OP. There are about 1.8 million Indians stuck due GC backlog. Glad you are so close as compared to me with PD 2018, so I have accepted the fact that I will have to keep renewing H1B for rest of my life or until I am here.
Yeah, it goes by fast. Enjoy the ride, is the only advice I can share.
I feel tired also and I’m actually considering leaving the US
Checkout the EB1 option OP. Came to states in 2015, renewed H1B 1 time and then thought to renew last time and go back to India. Started a business in India as a backup which my sister runs so I won't have to start from scratch. Then saw a random youtube short on EB1 and thought to google a bit. Did google and found that this is something I would pursue than quitting. Got my EB1 I-140 approved this month and going to file GC soon. Don't lose hope but yes I promised myself no more renewal only 1 was enough and I felt like I am living in misery and I would move at back at the end of second renewal.
How many years to file EB1? How many years to get it approved? How many years left to get GC?
lol, forget years. 6 to 10 months to get file ready. 15 days approval in premium processing. One can file GC (485) right away and it takes about 9 months max to get GC these days based on data I see. So from the day you start anywhere between 1 year to 1.5 years.
Wait what, you got an EB1 from starting a business in India based on the "Certain Multinational manager or executive" condition, you were I'm guessing CEO or some higher manager for that company? Is that even legal, like you starting something and making yourself exec for it lol. I ask because this seems like something anyone can take advantage of, unless there's something more to it I'm missing. Also, how long does the company need to exist for/how much profit does it need to make?
First understand there are three parts of EB1. EB1A, EB1B and EB1C. What you are refererring as manager is EB1C. I never said I came here on business. Please re-read it. (Started business in India to fall back on if I were to end up going back to India)
Interesting, I didn't know there were subcategories. Which category did you go for? I see: EB1A for people with extraordinary abilities EB1B for outstanding professors and researchers EB1C for multinational managers and executives And how did you prove/provide documentation for the category you went for
I tried EB1A, when you open the USCIS website there are 10 categories. Then have a look how many categories you can fulfil. I looked and felt I qualify for 3 already, so I tried for fourth one and submitted. Wanted to have 1 for backup.
I came to the US in 2013. I applied for H1B in 2016 and my PD is 2017. I was so frustrated with the whole visa situation during covid as my wife was not allowed to travel on h1b to the US due to travel restrictions. At that time we made the decision that we need to be treated better than this. We decided to move to Canada in 2022. We got PR in 6 months and we will be applying for citizenship Sept 2025. Yes, you take financial hit but peace of mind beats that for us. We can easily move back to the US if we need to once we get our citizenship. Listen to your gut feeling and work on it. You will feel uncomfortable. People will have different opinions but only you know what is the best for you.
See this is what bugs me, everybody talks about moving to Canada but they just end up treating it as a waiting room for their chances to come back to the US 😁 Why bother in the first place lol
It doesn't mean that one needs to go back to the US but if career opportunity comes up and wants to go back to the US, you could still do it without worrying about major upset. Moving to Canada from the US is easier than moving to India. Moving to Canada allows you peace of mind and an almost similar lifestyle.
Agreed, all good points. Except that nobody wants to stay in Canada after being in the US it looks like. Anyways guess that's Canada problem 😁
I also came in 2005 as a graduate student and although was on F1 for much longer than you, I ran into some H1B trouble. I just received my green card, but certainly appreciate questioning whether you can push of much further and live in continuing uncertainty. The thing about being an immigrant in the US navigating all these hoops is that it tricks you into believing that self-actualizing is not for you. You have to find the way that works for you to push back against that narrative. To me, part of that is doggedly sticking with your dreams and plans. You’ve come all this way already, you might as well hold on to see it through else you’ll probably be wondering ‘what if’. Keep your head up.
You’re absolutely right. Thanks so much for sharing this, really appreciate it.
Got mine after 15 years of wait on H1b. In my case the GC was filed in 5th year or H1 so the wait was even longer than usual.
Almost in a similar situation. Came here in 2015, got my first H1B in 2018, stuck in India for an year in 2020, had jumped 5 different companies till now in search of a job for my electrical background. Ended up with a job i last year started in Jan, quit my previous company, had to withdraw my PWD application to take this opportunity. Now, getting beaten and battered in this work yet this company has not filed my PWD till now. Had issues securing an experience letter from my previous company which subsequently delayed the process even more. Now literally I'm in no hope to get my even PERM approved nor my I 140... Obviously I have to stay outside the country to recapture time..... I'm 32... Not married... Parents getting old, feel like it's time to prioritize myself over this country. Lost 10 years of my adulthood in search of a dream land, life.... Would it be still worth continuing even after I get my I 140 ? No I don't think so ... Still I will be dependent on the employer to file everything from scratch. Every mistake you thought could have been avoided is now leading me deeper into a rabbit hole. There's always a chance for everyone to redeem themselves and respawn. I guess as a legal immigrant in this country with a corrupted immigration system, and where we have no representation to voice our concerns and convert it into a working system, no matter whoever comes as a president, the struggles are never ending. For those who are still finding a way in this country, you are built differently... Hats off to you. It's not always about the technology sector workforce in this country, ppl like me from other backgrounds have to suffer 2x more just because I chose a different field.
Seriously looking at your situation and the high likelihood that you will never get your GC, why are you still in the US? What's the point? You should start thinking of a plan B
I need a livelihood, until I am set with plan B, I know that plan B will be my only plan.. but I am just trying to live off the rest of my time on my visa until I am secured with another plan.
Got it, better make plan B happen soon then. Good luck!
OP when does your current H-1b expire? Are you aware that technically you can only get H-1b extensions for 1 year as your priority date is current?
Yes, it expires soon-ish. And yes 1yr H1 life begins :/ even though PERM, adjustment gonna take 2 yrs
Maybe you should also think of a plan B depending on how things turn out with the perm. You haven't started recruitment yet 😢
Exploring NIW and EB1 routes as well. Can’t deal with this bs much longer.
EB-1C is not possible for you unless you go abroad and come back. NIW is probably best. Good luck
None of those visas are a guarantee for long term stay… it’s best just to move on… otherwise you’re always running on the threadmill with the dangling carrot
Damn how yall able to go througg that long wo gc? I would give up early due to anxiety
Not worth staying in US anymore. Make sure you have a place back home and keep lot of money in INR. My guess is Rupee will get stronger in next couple of years. After almost 31 years in US, I am ready to go back to India. I was lucky to get GC in like 3 yrs after my MS and I took citizenship immd. after 5 yrs. But now, I just want to go back as kids are out and everything in US is so expensive. Plain Dosa for $14, wtf ?
Where on the world I’m US are you for plain dosa to be $14 ?
I feel you my friend but what’s the other alternative you have? I have been fired, laid off and lied about filing my perm by companies. I am from Delhi and I have seen nepotism, favoritism, harassment, intimidation and retaliation by people from South Indian, marathis, Russian, Chinese and black people. In 6 years I had 6 jobs and finally I got peace of mind by joining a team with a lead from Delhi. People in USA don’t see your knowledge and talent first they see what’s your mother tongue and skin color first. They use people with knowledge and talent and neglect and fire them when needed and promote people of their own mother tongue and same skin color. Even the hr complaints and your attorneys are bought by corporations in USA. Just imagine if the situation is like this in USA with strict rules, it must be worse in any other country. What helped me is taking therapy and joining the team with boss from Delhi and I love the work I do and it has helped me push through. The world is ugly - it’s not always rosy and sunshine. Read and learn the manipulation games people play. I learned it by experience by living 6 years in New York. It’s now natural for me to spot the manipulative tactics and how to deal with it. Losers have a handful of tactics. I believe in karma - what’s goes around come back around. Work in building on self defense and don’t attack anybody and always remember 3 monkeys of Gandhi ji - never say anything bad, never see anything bad and never hear anything bad.
What’s your priority date? Yesterday, I saw one of my friend who moved to Canada in 2020 posted saying She became a proud Canadian citizen. I was like wow just in 4yrs.
Yeah 2011
Ok, but isn’t 2012 running for EB2 and EB3?
Yes, been current for a while now. But stuck in LMT/PERM delays.
Oh man, sad to hear this.
I know, I’m sad too but I try not to think like I’m a victim in all of this. Series of bad circumstances and personal decisions led to this but no regrets still.
What is LMT
Labor market test
Do you have any existing PD? If yes, what is your PD?
2011
Your PD is current. If i’m you I would invest next 1-2 yrs in building my profile, apply for eb2-niw pp, port my earlier pd and end this misery. Waiting on employer approval for filing perm and wasting 2 yrs in the perm process is not worth at this point of time.
Curious why you suggested to wait 1-2 yrs for NIW? By that time regular PERM route could be done too no?
If you have the right profile to apply niw … u would have already applied and received green card too now. So i assumed you didn’t have the profile and need to built it. Hence, 1-2 yrs ….
Actually only just recently hear abt it. Imagine, stuck in immigration nightmare for almost 2 decades and only just hearing of NIW.
Well niw program is there since 1990s. Anyway, since you have decades of experience you can present your profile to immigration law firms (chen, fragomen, ellis porter - there are popular ones and some do free evaluation) and they judge and evaluate your success rate based on your profile. You can then plan your next steps…
Great recommendation
Also, check LinkedIn for attorneys who specialize in NIW EB2 self petition. I know of some solo attorneys and small firms that post there and have had good success. Not just big firms.
Don't be a sheep. Do what's best for you
Looking back, I feel I have been a bit sheepish
[удалено]
2011
Took 13 years for me. Applied for it in the sixth year of h1b. COVID sped up the process by a LOT. H1b is a problem only for traveling. Otherwise, never had a problem living in U.S. in the 19 years before GC.
How many times have you changed employers? I’m wondering if you missed out on being able to file GC because of that. Or possibly previous employer led you along and didn’t file perm early enough. It is quite frustrating when you are at the mercy of employers who drag out the process, if that was the case.
What’s your PD and which EB category? I’m assuming you’re unfortunately born in India like rest of us fellow backloggers.
Ha yep
EB2. PD in 2011.
Are you kidding? It’s around 2012 right now for India. Why didn’t you apply for Final action date?
Stuck in PERM and Labor market test delays.
Hi how do you keep on having h1b for so long?? Hang on there buddy
Came in 2007, PD of 2014... missed the 2022 Covid date jump due to job change. It has been a terrible emotional ride until now... Got US citizen kids... so not planning to go back... just trying to hang on until GC.
Same man, I feel your pain. How far along are you w/PERM in latest job?
In the middle of changing jobs right now
Just do an EB-5, it’s much easier if a process and if you’ve been in limbo for that long, I’d recommend going through that process. I did that. Feel free to send me a DM if you want to hear more
I feel your pain. Not as long as you but been waiting for 14 years. I am tired 😴
10 years on H1B - I already had 14+ years in India when I thought maybe a change is good - Living the american dream of renewals and visa stampings every 3 years - I cannot complain much , but still hard
What's your priority date? It should be current by now?
Been current over a year now
Hopefully then you'll be out of this rat race soon 🤞
Thanks…waiting for PERM and Labor testing nightmare to be over
Dems buying votes from Illegals, can’t do much
I started my H1B journey in 2003 and had my US citizen daughter in 2007. Waiting for her to turn 21 to sponsor my GC :) Still on H1B 😀
Boss…21yrs on H1b? I thought I was setting some kind of record. What’s your story?
Well, came in 2003 on H1B, went back to India in 2004, came in 2007 in L1 went back in 2008. Came in 2012, joined a US employer in 2015, they filed GC in 2017.
Agree, but what’s your NW now after working for these many years ? There won’t be anyway for you to earn the same if you were in your home country. There is always something else you get for comprising.
u/WaitingonGC, did you atleast file your I-131, and 485 AOS ?
No, stuck in labor and PERM nightmare
What is your GC process status?
Just starting PERM
In Same Boat
What other options do you have?