Question:
I have lived in USA for 10 years since 1993.
I came in with F1 student visa and currently, I have H1-B working
visa.
Am I elibible to apply green card? I heard that who lives in US more
than 10 years is eligible for applying green card.
Would you please advise me?
Answer:
You got a couple things wrong here.
Applying for a GC is independent of your stay in the US. Even people
who never entered the US before can apply for a GC.
The main thing is that you most likely need a sponsor. Usually, if you
are working with an H1B, your employer may agree to sponsor you.
There is also sponsorship through marriage to a US citizen.
I suggest you start learning about this stuff at
http://travel.state.gov/visa_services.html
Nope. Merely living in the USA for 10 years is no grounds on which to
obtain a green card. Get your H-1B employer to sponsor your green
card.
Howlong you have been here does not matter. What matters is that you have a
sponsorship. Your employer can sponsor you or if you marry a US citizen, they
can sponsor you.
Employer sponsorship is not available if you have violated your
status. The only option open is an immediate relative petition
(spouse, son/daughter over 21 or parent).
