If I’m currently an F1 student from Nepal, what do I do about obtaining my BA and applying for a green card?
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If I’m currently an F1 student from Nepal, what do I do about obtaining my BA and applying for a green card?
I am going to complete my US bachelors next year in computer information systems and then apply for opt with stem extension. I want to know what is the way for me to apply for green card? Do I file it as soon as I get my bachelors degree or after that?
Asked on October 3, 2013 under Immigration Law, Maryland
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
See below the answer to your question.
you can get a US green card if an US citizen or legal permanent resident/green card holder willing to sponsor you through:
+ immigration through family member (parents, siblings);
waiting time for this category is 1 to 25 years(yes 25 years for immigrants from Philippine)
+ immigration through marriage;
waiting time for this category is 1 to 2 years if sponsored by us citizen spouse, 5 years or more from green card spouse.
+ immigration through employment;
waiting time for this category is 1 to 6 years
+ immigration through investment (Employment Fifth Preference (E5));waiting time for this category is 1 to 6 years
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/…
+ immigration through the Diversity Lottery /green card lottery;
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/…
as a F1 student, you are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)- 12 months temporary employment visa for f1students to work in a position directly related to their field of study after you are graduated from college.
during your opt period, you can find a company that willings to sponsor you a h1 work visa which has a limit of up to 6 years; or a green card through employment.
employment based immigration may be the best way if family based immigration or green card through marriage is not your option.
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/opt.ht…
I would seek to get your green card sooner rather than later.
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