Follow up on my previous post (My Green Card Journey as an Indian), a lot of ppl DM me asking the details of how did I convince my employer sponsoring me. Here, I would like to separate into 2 parts, the materials you need to prepare and the persuasion techniques you should use.
Start with materials:
Most immigrants, like myself, come to the U.S. by studying a STEM major and then landing a job in the tech industry. For this type of career path, the EB-2 green card is the go-to option. This category is for professionals with advanced degrees or individuals with exceptional ability in arts, sciences, or business. An EB-2 green card requires a U.S. employer to sponsor the applicant, offering a permanent, full-time position. In most cases, an approved PERM labor certification is required, unless the applicant qualifies for a National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows them to bypass the labor certification process. Many EB-2 applicants also qualify for EB-3, which has lower requirements. In some cases, people apply for both, especially if EB-3 priority dates are moving faster than EB-2.
Why EB-2?
- The Benefits of Employer-Sponsored Green Cards Easier Requirements – No strict asset, language, or prior work experience requirements, but an employer sponsor is mandatory.
- Broad Career Coverage – EB-2 applies to a wide range of professional fields.
- Direct Path to a 10-Year Green Card – No need for temporary green cards; applicants get a permanent green card immediately after approval.
- Path to Citizenship – After holding a green card for 5 years and residing in the U.S. for at least 30 months, applicants can apply for naturalization.
- Family Benefits – The applicant’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply together for green cards.
Documents Required for EB-2 Green Card Application
For the employee:
- Passport, visa, I-94, and all I-20 forms
- Resume
- Social Security number
- EAD card and driver’s license
- Diplomas and transcripts (certified translations if not in English)
- H-1B approval (if applicable)
- Letters of recommendation (if applicable)
- Proof of previous employment (if applicable)
For the employer:
- Employer name, address, and tax ID (EIN)
- Business incorporation documents
- Company financial statements and tax returns
- Proof of number of employees
- Job description and responsibilities
- Organizational chart
How Much Does EB-2 Cost?
I-140 petition: $700
I-485 adjustment of status (including biometrics): $1,225
DS-260 immigrant visa application (if applying outside the US): $325
Premium processing (optional): $2,500
Lastly, let your employer knows the process of applying the Green Card and let them know during the process you will not leave lol Below is the step-by-step guide you can share with your employers
Step 1: Gather materials
- Review all supporting documents
- Finalize job title and responsibilities with employer and attorney
- Employer confirms ability to sponsor the role
Step 2: Submit prevailing wage determination
- Employer files ETA 9141 with the Department of Labor to determine the wage level
- Processing time: 6 to 9 months
Step 3: Recruitment process
- Employer posts job ads using at least four methods, such as job boards and newspapers
- Recruitment period: 2 to 5 months
Step 4: Submit PERM labor certification
- Employer files the PERM application, and the applicant receives their priority date
- Processing time: 6 to 12 months
Step 5: File I-140 petition
- Employer submits the I-140 petition within 180 days of PERM approval
- Processing time: 6+ months (can be expedited with premium processing in 15 days)
- USCIS reviews whether the employer can pay the required salary
- If a request for evidence (RFE) is issued, the lawyer will provide additional documents
- Once I-140 is approved, the applicant’s priority date is secured
Step 6: File I-485 (adjustment of status) or DS-260 (consular processing)
- If in the US, applicants file I-485 once their priority date is current. Processing times vary by service center, ranging from 8 months to 2 years.
- If outside the US, applicants file DS-260 and attend an interview at the US consulate.
Hope it is helpful for you all, and I will share the techniques of psychology & negotiation skills for you all!!!
Good luck for your US journey