Question:
I have been working on H1-B since May '04. I would like to start my
Green Card application process. The company I am working for hasn't
dealt in this area before. I am also not too aware of this process.
Can anyone give me information as to how I should approach my Company
and provide them with the information that they will need to think on
my case?
Answer:
Find an immigration attorney. It's ONLY way to do it.
While it is HIGHLY reccomended, it's not the ONLY way to do it. I'm doing by
myself and so far everything is ok. If your case is standard and doesn't
have complicated or out of the norm situations, it's doable. But I guess
that was not RRM's original question.
Acquire some good knowledge first. In my case, I've used the book "US
Immigration made easy", excellent one. Plus the government sites contain
very good reliable information.
Your or the company should consult a competent immigration attorney.
While it is in principle possible to do this without a lawyer, there
are so many pitfalls that it would be foolish to try it.
As for how to find a good lawyer, check with AILA (www.aila.org)
and read here: http://www.visalaw.com/hal.html
Agreed - If you do it yourself you need
1. Lots and lots of spare time.
2. Through knowledge on Immigration Process new rules and regulations
are constantly being introduced.
To go through lawyer may set you back
financially (could be up to and over 10 grand), plus may still need to a
little time yourself. Who knows what hurdles you might hit on the LC -
I140 but you have piece of mind - Priceless !!
