How long does it take to receive a green card?

lalaxton · Feb 14, 2006

Hi there,

I am a Canadian nurse who lived and worked in the US for 12 years. My husband and I did apply for a green card. We researched and found that you can do all the papaerwork yourself but you can save yourself lots of grief by spending the money on an immigration lawyer. The process took us 6 months from start to finish but was worth it.

Good luck!

suzanne4, RN · Feb 14, 2006

You need to have an employer petition for you, then you can have an attorney do all of the paperwork, or you can do it yourself. However, if you are working, you are much better off by haivng an attorney do it for you, much faster that way if the attorney is used to doing it. Just use a n attorney that knows what they are doing.

It doesn't matter whether or not you are a Canadian RN or from another country, you still need to follow the same steps for a green card. Nothing is any different for you. You are still "foreign" in terms of working in the US.

Tiem frame can be six months to a year if you are already in the US. Depends on the center where it is processed, as well as the attorney hadnling your case. Average fee for the attorney is about $2000.

rikomom · Feb 15, 2006

Thank you all for quick replies and advice!!

I decided to look for an attorney to make sure doing correct paperwork and save lots of energy and time. I am also glad to hear that it would take less than two years....that would give me somewhat feelings of freedom.

What about "employer petition"? What is the difference from job offer letter for TN visa? Does the employer have financial/other responsibilities to support my greencard process?

I know my hospital will support for the paperwork, though....

Thank you again.:roll

suzanne4, RN · Feb 15, 2006

Completely different process. The employer has to show proof that they have the work for you as well as able to pay your salary for your employment. They have to show proof that you will be paid at the same salary that they are paying their American employees, etc.

Much better to go with an attorney that knows what they are doing and you can be a green card holder in less than one year.

With the TN Visa, you do not need immigration approval in advance, you just need to show the VSC and the letter form the employer at the border.

lalaxton · Feb 15, 2006

My attorney actually coordinated with the hospital for the petition part of the process. When I was going through the process a Philippino nurse I was working with was also applying, but was doing all the paper work herself. It took her twice as long as me because anything that was not do exactly right on the papers took her back to square one. The immigration lawyer is worth every penny!

rikomom · Feb 15, 2006

Thank you all again!!

I was away from computer because of moving to a new home and etc. Then, I started looking at this website and now I am glad I did that! Because this site is really helpful to make a big decision such as hiring an attorney or making a career decision, etc.... So much more information!!!

I will start looking for an attorney this week and start the paperwork for greencard. Less than one year!? That would be great!!

:roll :roll

rikomom · Feb 15, 2006

Actually, does anyone recommend hiring an attorney on internet? Because an attorney is about 120$/hour in Hawaii, I wonder if I can save some money on internet... Or is it about same?? Ooooo, expensive! :eek:

lalaxton · Feb 15, 2006

Lawyers are not cheap. Do your homework, ask around for a recommendation and look at references.

suzanne4, RN · Feb 15, 2006

Immigration costs will be about $2000 to get everything done, that is for the attorney.

I would not use anyone without knowing anything about them, or it could take you several years to get things done. The attorney really needs to know their immigration stuff, and many do not; or they do not work with nurses, that are being expedited. Presents many different things that need to be dealt with.

maritime nurse · Feb 19, 2006

My husband and I hired an Immigration lawyer with lots of experience, took about a year and cost about $2500. With the amount of paperwork I would recommend using a lawyer.