Future Employee Green Card Process

Question

Hello,

I have a question regarding the Future Employee Green Card Process. I am currently working for an insurance company and they do not sponsor Green Cards. However I would like to continue working for my current company. I heard that there is a future employee Greencard process wherein I can continue working for the current company while my Greencard is processed by another company. My questions are as follows.

1. If another company sponsors my Green Card, should I change my job to that company? If so at what point am I expected to change my job?

*Ideally I don't want to leave my current job position since I like my job very much and have a very good working environment* I would really appreciate if any of you can shed light on the Future Employee Green Card Process or let me know any other I can have my Green Card Processed while I continue working for my current company.

Thanks,

Vijay

Answer 1

To obtain a green card for an employee, the employer must guarantee your employment for 10 years or until you become a citizen.  You have to change jobs as soon as it is approved.  If your H1-b (or whatever visa you are on) expires while the application is being processed, you will have to leave your current employer by the expiration date and leave the US.  The future employer might or might not be willing and able to get you temporary permission to remain during the processing period, but you would be out of work meanwhile.

Few companies are sponsoring green cards these days.  In fact, with all the layoffs, many companies are not renewing employment visas or are cancelling them outright and sending those workers home.  Also due to the high level of layoffs and unemployment, it is increasingly difficult for employers to prove there are no American citizens qualfied and available for the job.