'Green Card Delay Leaves H-1B Worker Searching for Other Options'
In the world of employment visas, the H-1B visa holders are facing a period of uncertainty due to their employers halting green card sponsorships. This development has left many foreign workers unsure of how to proceed with the necessary steps towards permanent residency.
The process begins with the Department of Labour overseeing the PERM labour certification, a crucial step that guarantees the wages and working conditions of US employees won't be negatively impacted by hiring a foreign worker. The employer must prove to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that they can pay the offered wage, and the job is certified for the foreign worker.
Once the PERM labour certification is approved, the employee can move forward with the I-140 approval, allowing them to proceed with the next steps towards obtaining a green card. However, with the US work visa quota for the Employment-Based Second Preference category for FY 2025 already exhausted, the road to permanent residency becomes even more challenging.
Employer sponsorship is required for the green card application process, and some workers are now considering looking for another employer who is willing to sponsor their green card. This decision, however, comes with its own set of concerns, as some users have shared their experiences of delays and broken promises during the green card process.
One user shared their personal experience of switching employers and having their I-140 approved, while another user stated that their employer started the PERM process late despite promising immediate green card processing. The current economic climate may also make it difficult for the PERM to succeed, adding to the uncertainty faced by H-1B visa holders.
The H-1B visa holder is now qualified for a three-year extension of their H-1B visa, providing a temporary reprieve. However, the lack of commitment from employers to the green card process has left many workers disappointed and frustrated. Some users have even resorted to finding a new employer who is willing to sponsor the green card without leaving their current employer.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the green card process remains a complex and challenging journey for H-1B visa holders. It is essential for foreign workers to stay informed, seek legal advice, and be prepared for any eventualities as they navigate their path towards permanent residency in the United States.
