I just got H-1B approved with Amazon as an SDE. I am now starting my Green Card process but it looks like that’s going to take 2-3 years. I have Current priority date. I want to switch companies (potentially to another FAANG) but want to prioritize my Green Card cuz getting kicked out of America is the last thing I want. My friends are American citizens so they all encourage me to explore companies but obviously our circumstances are different and I want to make sure I fully understand my risks as a non-citizen. Should I wait out 2/3 years and wait for my Green card? Do most people just wait it out for safety? What are the possible risks of deciding to transfer? If I were to switch to another company, would they let me apply for the GC immediately? Amazon told me to wait a year in the company before being eligible to apply for GC.
Applied to gc without intent of working for them, fraudster
For H1B transfer, as long as you make sure don't give notice until the transfer approves, your risk is low -- worst case the transfer failed, but you existing H1 wouldn't be affected. H1B transfer is like a cp rather than mv. For GC, given your situation, it doesn't hurt to look at other companies. If you got offers from companies do you GC on day 1, you should probably go, given you goal is getting GC ASAP. There are not a whole lot companies do that nowadays but if they do, you probably should go, and make sure to let them put the GC stuff down on the offer letter. Many companies have a 6 months gap and keep in mind for your goal, 6 months is not good enough because if a layoff happens, it puts a 6 months pause for the whole company's GC applications.
Your H1 will be most likely safe when switching to another FAANG....it depends on why you want to switch...not liking current team....we have lots of openings internally...not liking comp...i have no suggestions 👻
I’m not liking the team - I feel like I’m not being challenged and no longer growing. I feel like there are more bad teams than good at Amazon (poor management and toxic culture and extreme frugality). So switching teams sounds like also a risky move and I might as well stay in my team with easy work and spend that time prepping for my move. I don’t know how other companies are like (def less frugal at least). I also don’t like comp. My comp is ~184k but I want at least 200k.
The most risky H-1Bs are transfers and amendments, FYI.