(update: the 6 to 9 months is unlikely, it would probably be 10 to 15 based on current data) I don't know what to choose. I have the option of staying at a job earning 110k salary + 1% equity (that I believe will not be worth anything), and get a green card in 6 to 9 months*, or accept an offer at Google with 240k total comp, and then transfer to another country at the end of 1 year (or unlikely get an H1B and start a green card application that should take 3 years). I had also a 290k TC from a different startup, but they having no offices in other countries discouraged me of joining them. I'm currently on stem opt and I'm only allowed to stay in the us for 1 more year. I've applied for h1b twice with no success (and it's unlikely it would change the third time) and am unhappy with my current job (I don't really have work life balance, I'm fully responsible for a very large project (ux+ui+backend+algs+design+api+task management+presentations+etc) as a one person team, so I basically don't interact with others besides reporting progress which is quite horrible). I really want to leave, but this seems like a horrible thing for my future if I leave. My immigration attorney also said that if i come back to the this startup in 6 months, the chances of getting the green card in 6 to 9 months* would likely be just as high as now. It's a national interest waiver gc, which directly depends on the work I'm currently doing. This seems like burning bridges with Google though if I tried this. * - very likely -- attorney said it is almost guaranteed, because it is a strong case #visa #h1b #greencard #opt #stemopt #niw #eb2 #Google #startup #tech #immigration
I think green card would give you more freedom. 6-8 months is not a long time. I don't think it will burn bridge with Google. You can tell them your personal situation.
Most of my friends who have phd working for startups didn’t get H1b twice so they had to go for O1 visa. Later, they were able to get EB1A because they are already proved outstanding by having O1. You could ask your new employer if they could do O1 so that you won’t have to relocate elsewhere. The process may take a few months and you may get a greencard by then.
I asked about the O1 and Google said it would be unlikely, while the attorney at the current startup said I have a strong case for O1. The attorney specializes on startups, and has lots of experience so I trust what he is saying. I only have a master's, no Phd. I would not qualify for an Eb1a. Even though it's the same requirements as an O1, the amount of evidence needed is higher, and I'm just above the threshold for O1 (summary of discussion with startup attorney)
It might be better to stay on your current job. I didn’t even go beyond recruiter rounds in industry interviews while I was on academic h1b. Greencard and citizenship made things easy for me. It is worth waiting if you prefer to stay in USA few years. One time I had to stay in India for two months without salary because I got administrative processing on my h1b.
Google offer is valid for a year I think, relax and get the green card and then dip to G
Google interview feedback is valid for one year, (confirm with your recruiter) you can deny the offer with personal reasons and reach out to recruiter once you have green card.
The NIW route (i-140) is definitely getting longer and longer. I don't think it'll take less than a year now. Unless you are taking about i-485 and you're ROW applicant. Plan accordingly. Good luck.
Oh no, you are 100% right. I was using data from 2020, where it was taking from 6 to 9 months, currently it's much longer as you said. It would be the i-140 route (eb2).
Now a days startups are using this “outstanding” visa to keep PhD holders longer in organization. Make sure it is not a moving target. One of my friend has been saying 6 months for the past 2.5 years and it is kept rejected by USCIS saying the research is not that impactful to society yet. Similar to how they make you to believe they will go for iPO soon..they will use this visa thing also. Just watch it carefully
What's your aspiration? Are you from Row?
I don't know what is Row in this context. I haven't decided my aspiration yet, I wanted to stay in the US, but it's been such a pain to keep staying that I wonder if it is worth it
Not from India/ China; If you are from row, it's easier to get green card... So you might as well just follow TC for now.
What did you choose eventually? Have you got your green card now?
Make it a poll
I made it into a poll, thanks for the suggestion