2006-12-26 09:16:51 · 4 answers · asked by Monica M 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
It depends on what route toward legal permanent residence (green card) you qualify for. Different type of permanent residence applications have different processing times.
Processing times for all types of applications are on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services' website (which is now www.uscis.gov), but you need to talk to an immigration attorney to know what type of application is right for your situation.
P.S. While I'm sure some of the other people who answered your question are well-meaning, it's not necessarily true that just because you are here on an L-1 right now means that you cannot apply for a green card unless your current employer sponsors you. If you have a qualifying family relationship with a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident, you might qualify to for permanent resident that way. If you are one of the top people in your field, you might qualify to immigrate under the Extraordinary Ability category, for which you can sponsor yourself. Likewise, if the work you do can be said to be in the United States' national interest, there might be self-sponsoring options for you. This is why I encourage you to speak to an immigration attorney. There are lots of possibilities out there, but it helps to have a professional sort through them all and let you know which options could work for you.
2006-12-26 11:00:38 · answer #1 · answered by puffinpower 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since an L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, you cannot apply for a green card unless your employer can petition for you.
2006-12-27 01:05:07 · answer #2 · answered by dognhorsemom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should probably ask the INS or an immigration attorney.
2006-12-26 09:30:45 · answer #3 · answered by WMK 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to www.bcis.gov for all your answers
2006-12-26 09:18:30 · answer #4 · answered by Valid 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋