lucy85

Thanks Jay Babe. Your kind words means a lot to me.

So I have been in the US for over 10 years, single woman, studied here as F1, got my degree, switched to EAD, found a job, then switched to H1B with my company, did pretty well and now we are beginning the PERM process after maxing out the 6 years extension. Within these 10 years I have built a life here, I'm seeing someone, have many American friends, bought a car and house and a dog, the whole shebang.

Last week the HR of my company had a meeting with me.. just an update on my PERM process. My employers will interview some people with the same qualifications as I do, and determine whether or not I am the best person for the job blablablah, and they will then submit that to the government. And the gov will either say yep, she's good and she can have the American dream, or nope, not good enough, we don't want you, sayonara, sell the house and dog, and get out.

And here's the catch, HR said to me. I'm not part of STEM, I am a graphic designer and the arts is not super important when it comes to this sort of thing, and there is the possibility that the application will be denied. And my HR guy said that if that is happens, and he says it as if it's gonna happen, then there is nothing else the company can do and that's that and I should 'be ready for a major life change.'

Now I know that they don't owe me anything and there's no reason to panic before anything has happened. And I also know that my field of work isn't exactly as important as a doctor saving lives. But I can't help feeling as if I am easily discarded just because I am not part of STEM. And that I am routinely tested at work because of the interview process with potential replacements. I am quite accomplished yet art is so subjective and I am placing my life in the hands of people who seemingly only see me as a piece of paper. I have a lot to offer and work day and night but I feel as if it is all not important.

I have looked into obtaining an O1 visa but it seems an even worse visa than a H1B, and much harder to get. In fact I feel very diminished looking at the requirements, I can meet some of the conditions but as a new hopeful immigrant who has only graduated barely 5 years ago, there simply wasn't enough time to accumulate a vast resume that would impress the O1 judges. Plus it is not as secure as a green card.

How do people do it? It is so hard to immigrate without either having family connections, or marrying someone, winning the lottery or being some kind of instant international celebrity.

And yes, many MANY have suggested I marry my boyfriend. He is unfortunately not a citizen, but a green card holder. Which means that if he gets naturalized and I marry him, we would have to do the whole 'proving you're in a relationship' thing. I find it very dehumanizing! Either way I turn it is scrutiny. And I would have to wait years anyway for that process, and to be honest I wouldn't want to get married just because of this. I want him to ask me because he wants to without this process tainting our relationship. And I really want to be able to immigrate to the US with my own abilities and skill.

But however way I turn I feel there are so many hurdles to jump through, all of them painful and difficult. I find it hard to sleep at night, because who knows a few months from now I will get the thumbs down and will have to start packing or leaving. I can't relax or do anything because the whole 'doomsday is coming' mentality is constantly over me. I feel envy for my friends here who have job security and peace of mind that their life won't be turned upside down in a matter of months. I love this place and want to stay, and have immersed myself in the community and learned and love American culture. I want to sink my roots in and start a family here. I am trying to do this legally and properly and by the book, but it is so difficult that many times I just end up in tears from all the frustration. It is so hard to do this on my own as a single woman. I wish it was still back in the days of 'give me your poor, tired and muddled masses.' I know this is an advice forum for immigrants, but I can't find anyone else who understands how and what I feel and I hope maybe some here understands the constant feeling of dread. Thanks for reading.

This is a classic stalling tactic, your company doesn't have your best interests in mind.

I am of the impression that they will file ASAP regardless of the masters degree, which was just a suggestion.

As long as they file it ASAP, then might I assume I would be protected? How long can I stay in the US after starting the process?

It may help take you from say EB3 to EB2.

But the important thing is they file now for whatever category is appropriate, you can always take advantage of any change in your situation later.

Is EB2 from EB3 a significant change? I am very worried that if it does not work out, I would have to leave in 2016. My company is very willing to keep me, but I am not sure if they can, considering my HB1 has already been extended 6 years. Do I have a good chance in my situation?

Hi everyone,

I am on a renewed H1B which expires in 2016 and my company is willing to sponsor me for a green card. I have worked there for over 4 years. However, I only have a Bachelors degree in Art and they are asking me to pursue a masters part time to make my case easier. Will this truly help, or can we proceed with applying without a Masters? Even if I pursue a masters, it would take 2-3 years to complete which by then my visa would have expired. How many times can a H1B be renewed, and what is my next step?

Thank you!