working of OPT vs H1B visa

[redgrapes 0]

There seems to be a lot of misinformation in this thread.

In my opinion, you should just go ahead and apply for OPT before you graduate, so at least you have it. It doesn't stop you from seeking an employer that would file for an H1 for you. If you find one that is willing to file an H1 for you, you can still go ahead and do that even if you have the OPT. So I'm not sure why you wouldn't get the OPT to begin with. I started my previous job with an OPT (I knew the employer was going to do the H1 though) and the employer filed my H1. The up side was I didn't have to wait for my H1 to go through to start working.

Also, an employer doesn't have to wait for 5 years before filing for your green card, like a previous poster mentioned. There is no wait time. They can file for the green card at any point. How long it takes for the green card process to be completed depends on a variety of factors, including the preference category (E1, E2, E3), your priority date, retrogression, etc. Even if you have a masters, it doesn't mean your preference cateogry will be E2. The position (job you will be performing) has to require a master's degree or bachelor's + 5 year's experience for you to qualify for E2.

[Harsh_77 718]

I think this thread had lot of the mis-information starting from the OP.

OP – If you work for Non-profit that does not exempt you from H1b quota by any means. In fact most Non profit would not have money to apply for your H1b, now days approx cost of H1B is approx $4000-$5000.

Just living 10 yrs in US does not automatically qualify you for GC.

I know OPT time was extended from 12 months, but I am not sure how long it is at the moment coz I know it was only a temp move. – best ppl who can answer this is your school DSO.

I am not sure why the OP is so adamant on getting a GC  Honestly you are far away from getting a GC, unless you wanna cheat the system.

Here is my 2 cent, once you graduate, get your OPT – while on OPT look for the employer whom you want to work for, start working for them and then see who in your industry would be willing to do H1B including your employer. Then your company again can file for your GC, technically it can be filed from day 1, but no company would do that, they would not file for GC after you been there for 1-2 yrs.

Then based on your EB status and other thing like which year is current etc your GC application would be processed.

[eapa34 0]

I just saw visa bulletin for january- marriage to a GC holder has no wait time anymore? I know it used to be years....now it is C - current?

that means if one of us gets their gc, the other can get it in a relatively short time as well?

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=be1ea6c515083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=be1ea6c515083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

It is not right away if married to a GC holder. it might say current now but it can not guarantee a visa right away, might take years yet again. Only married to a USC can guarantee you an immediate GC if you meet the requirements.