Really confused about Greencard process PERM->I140->I485 - Please advise?

[James2009]

Hi Guys,

I would like some advice on the Greencard process, as I am totally confused.

I hold a Ph.D. and am a European citizen (non-retrogressed). I am employed as Assistant Professor at US University. Been in US for 12 months on an H1B visa.

My employer has kick-started the Greencard process, by applying for PERM certification. They have suggested that as soon as PERM is approved, they will apply for I-140, and after that is approved, then for the I-485 to gain EB2 certification. This is the only method they will pay for

I am wondering whether this is a standard method for applying for a Greencard, or should I be trying to do something else faster? Does anyone have an idea how long it will take for a European-born citizen to gain right to work?

Thanks so much!
James

[mariejm]

Sounds like the standard procedure to me, as this was my route to GC. Of course I wasnt "Dr any thing", but 140/EAD/SSC/485/GC was how mine progressed.

All the best!
Disclaimer

THIS IS NOT LEGAL OPINION OR ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR USCIS TO CLARIFY

[txh1b]

After labor, if your priority date is current, you can apply for I140 and 485 together.

[ngeimaviti2]

Priority Dates

I am confused about how this works! My priority date is 10/7/2008 and the latest Visa bulletin gives the date being processed as 6/1/2002. Other than the countries with annual cap, if I am from a small country with very few applicants anually, does it mean I will still wait for at least 6 years before filing the I-485? I just got my I-140 approved.
Any ideas?

Thanks.

[txh1b]

You should look at the visa bulletin, not the processing date. You will be most likely eligible to file for 485 immediately. You need not have even waited for the I140 to be approved as they can be applied concurrently if the PD is current for your country.

Google for the latest visa bulletin which comes out every month around the 10th. The link to the last month bulletin is below.

http://www.immihelp.com/greencard/visabulletin/october2009.html

[James2009]

Thanks a lot for your help everybody - it's nice to have some reassurance