If the foreign student plans to stay in the U.S. and continue working for the employer beyond the initial optional practical training year, then an H-1b visa will be required. Prior to 1997, we used to recommend that a foreign student not to bother with the H-1b application until four months or so before the expiration of the optional practical training. However, things changed in 1997 when the H-1b limit was reached in August. This year the limit was reached much earlier in the month of May. Despite the fact that the number of H-1b visas available has been dramatically increased over the next three years, it would be prudent to begin the H-1b process as soon as possible to prevent situations where the optional training has expired while the H-1b is under process. For information on obtaining the "green card", please refer to our permanent residency section.
[ TOP ]
have received literally thousands of letters, faxes, and e-mails from people interested in immigration over the past five years. Within those communications are numerous questions about the immigration process. Not surprisingly, many people ask the same questions. I will discuss several of the most common questions I receive below. I am always willing to discuss these or other questions in more detail.
Question #1: How long will it take to obtain a green card?
Answer: It is impossible to give a precise estimate of time because there are several variables, some of which are independent of the attorney's work. The client will need to obtain copies of items in the c.v. The INS Service Center will determine the average time required for the type of visa sought, but this can change at different times. Presently, the INS Vermont Service Center is saying 60-120 days (closer to 120 days) to process an I-140 (green card) application. The Northern Service Center is presently at 185-215 days, so you can see that there is a great deal of variation. Then, adjustment of status or consular processing took 3-7 months in the past, depending on several factors. However, the adjustment of status can now take 10-14 months due to INS slowdowns. It is best to ask the attorney at the time the application procedure is initiated for his best estimate, but please remember that this is only an estimate.
কোন মন্তব্য নেই:
একটি মন্তব্য পোস্ট করুন