Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

From F-1 to Green Card

I'm currently an internation student in California but I was wondering what options do I have if I would want to change my status to resident (Green Card Holder).


Asked on 5/28/09, 3:25 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Alice Yardum-Hunter Alice M. Yardum-Hunter, a Law Corp.

Re: From F-1 to Green Card

Normally, students on graduation receive Optional Practical Training to get to know an employer well enough who might wish to petition for immigration. The H-1 status is a temporary status often first obtained. Until this year, there was a lottery on H-1s because so many people applied, but due to the recession, that is not the case and there are plenty of H-1s available. This is a great time to apply for the H-1 for recent college grads. While a person is in H-1 status, permanent residence is applied for, with a labor certification filed prior to the start of the sixth year in H-1 status or under a category that doesn't require a labor certification. The later is more unusual for recent college graduates, though sometimes it's possible.

I would be happy to help you out if you contact me offline. Check me out at http://www.yardum-hunter.com, fill out a consultation request there at http://www.yardum-hunter.com/Main/Consultation.asp or email me at [email protected]. Until then, please don't rely on this as legal advice.

Alice M. Yardum-Hunter, Attorney at Law, Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law, State Bar of CA, Bd. of Legal Specialization

ST: 15915 Ventura Blvd., Penthouse #1, Encino, CA 91436

EM: [email protected] WEB: http://www.yardum-hunter.com

A �Super Lawyer� 2004 � 2009, Los Angeles Magazine

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Answered on 5/29/09, 12:22 pm
Joseph La Costa Joseph La Costa, Attorney at Law

Re: From F-1 to Green Card

You really should consult an Immigration Attorney, because there are many ways to get residency, some of which you may already have. This matter is complex and you should not try to do it yourself so you should get an attorney to discuss your options. If you are located in Southern California, you can email me your contact info, so we can discuss your particular situation. There is no charge for consultation

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Answered on 6/11/09, 2:07 pm
Ellaine Loreto Law Offices of Ellaine Loreto

Re: From F-1 to Green Card

There are various options to obtain a green card like family-based and employment-based petitions. For example, a relative, such as a U.S. citizen or legal permanent spouse or parent can sponsor you for your green card. Likewise, a qualified employer may sponsor you for your green card. You may also obtain your green card by starting a qualifying business.

To discuss your specific case further, kindly email me directly at [email protected], or refer to our contact information on our website at www.loretomedinalaw.com.

Note: The above response is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice, nor to create an attorney-client relationship, which can only be established through payment of consideration.

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Answered on 5/28/09, 5:48 pm


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