Question:
1) How much time (roughly) will it take for me to get a green card from
my employer if I start the application now?
2) If I apply for a green card with an employer, and years pass while
waiting for it, what would happen if my H1 expires? Can I still stay in
the US and work?
Answer:
I'm an Italian citizen and I came in the US in 2000 with a F1 student
visa. Since last June I started working with a H1 visa. Everyone I know
is here in the US (with either green card or citizenship) and I would
love to stay in the US permanently. My current employer is offering me
green card sponsorship, but I am not sure if I should start the process
as my current job (as a consultant) is not what I had in mind. But if
the wait is relatively short I may apply with him.
1) How much time (roughly) will it take for me to get a green card from
my employer if I start the application now?
2) If I apply for a green card with an employer, and years pass while
waiting for it, what would happen if my H1 expires? Can I still stay in
the US and work?
and if you have filed a company sponsored greencard application you can
extend your h1 for 7th, 8th ........ years till you get your
greencard... I have not heard for a limit in extension after 6 years...
But is there some way to estimate how much time
would it take to get a green card once I apply with an employer?
Very difficult to tell. It depends, among other things, on the category
you are applying under, as well as where you were born (Italy is under
the "worldwide" category, which is usually a bit easier than a few other
countries). I would allow five to ten years.
Most likely, yes.
