Greencard

Im a Canadian citizen working in the US on a TN visa for the last 3 years. My current one is good for at least another 1.5 years. Recently ive been thinking about pursuing getting a green card by the way of employer sponsored application. I really have not looked much into it at all, but I was starting to think about it. When I first started working here getting a green card was never really a thought I had considered but I am now. Has anyone here done it? How long was the process, what kind of paperwork did you need to do. Was there any limitations on what you could do while you were in the middle of the application process. Im sure its easier to get it if you marry an american citizen but that likely wont happen, lol. Any benefits/drawback to getting a greencard?

Thanks!

I don't think there are any draw backs. Getting your green card can get you on your way to becoming citizen so there's no hassle of re-applying for your TN visa. And if you want to keep your CDN citizen then you can always remain dual. I'm not sure how long the process is or any of the technical stuff but if I were in your position, I would do it. Also, I just wanted to know how you got the job in the states? I've been looking for some time now...mainly Texas but any state will do.

I started as a traveler for about a year and a half in a few hospitals, then signed on staff in my current hospital. I just think getting a greencard would be nice, might make life a bit easier as when you are on a TN its "non imigrant". I just dont like the feeling of feeling like im floating in between 2 countries, theres always the chance of them denying me re-entry, refusing to renew the TN. having Dual would be great.I mean if for some reason I lost my job and couldnt find a new one I would have to leave after a certain amount of time if I didnt find one in time. Theres just always those risks.

I believe (from posts on AN) there are American nurses looking for jobs in the US, if there are qualified American nurses available to do your job, how can your employer justify a green card application?

Yes I know, just from my breif search on criteria, the particular position I am in is hard to fill and not just anyone can do it. there has been an open spot for some time. Months and months. I have experience in critical care. They could make a case for it. When I went home last year, my boss even offered to write me a letter stating they need me and can not do with out me in case I was given flack. I dont want to go into the debate of foreigners taking away American jobs. Plenty of Americans, people from the UK, australia have jobs and perm. residency in Canada. Its a 2 way street.

I am not interested in a debating the topic of nursing mobility, emplyment cycles and turf wars, I was just wondering how employers are justifying the need to employ non-Americans in the current market.

Well one justification would be that she has experience in a specialized area, which is not comparable to the new grads seeking work, so it can be done. I would ask your employer. They may have experienced this before and could help with the forms.

Employer has to start paperwork and if already working on a TN visa then I think it will not be that difficult however you will need to maintain TN status whilst going through the process if you plan on staying in the US. Depending on the category of EB you apply under will depend on how long it takes. In general nurses come under EB3 and that is taking over 5 years before you get anywhere near a GC

Thanks! Thats kinda what I would looking for, like the time line. Im just not sure if its worth it to be up in the air for so long when I can likely just continue renewing my TN, and if some poor man wants to marry me, I guess I can look at that if it ever happens. For now I think it may just be easer to keep with the TN, thanks for everyones replies!

Hi Creamsoda,

It is been 5 years after your last post. I hope that you have got your greencard. If that is possible, would you please share your experience and the process? Thank you in advance.