- Citizen of Thailand (Rest of the World) - B.S STEM in one of top US institutions - OPT Unused. Starts Jan 19. - Position: Software Engineer - Employer: Not Big N but reputable SW company. 1) How long would it take on average? 2) Is it okay to ask employer for EB3 instead of H1B? 3) When to apply? After extension? Or as soon as work starts?
Ah I see what you are saying, then I would like to interject that it depends on the current processing time for your eb3 for your country. If it is safely lesser than your opt time then go for it. But I think they r trying to shrink the opt period as well, you mind end up in a messy situation
1. Depends on the country backlog. Shouldn't take long for Thailand. 2. Doable but from what I've heard employers don't go direct EB3 route. Getting the priority date takes about 2 years. 3. ASAP.
Yeah...U gotta get labor cert done, takes time. You should apply for the work visa as a backup option next year, in case these things don't work out, it is a lottery still, you might not even get lucky
You can apply for both?
You can apply on f1, there is a blackout period when you can leave the country when your 140 is pending otherwise 22-30 months end to end, Know it because I am in the same boat currently. Had same concerns initially and discussed it with the lawyer and they said it’s fine to apply on f1 if you plan to not leave after 140 is filed
Dang 22-30 months..
#2, you lost me, h1b is a visa category, eb3 is a green card application category. U need a visa first then try dor a green card based on that visa...
OPT is extension of F1. You are elligible to apply for GC.
F1 is a non immigrant visa, H1-B is dual purpose. I don't think you can apply for a green card via work on an F1.