Naas Mlah

I have a Ph.D in Computer Science and 6 years of industrial work
experience in the US (been working under TN status). I recently
received an offer in the bay area (CA) and I am thinking of asking my
employer to sponsor me for green card. What are my options/paths? How
long would it take and how much will it cost? When should I start the
process?

Would appreciate your assistance.

Thanks,
Naas

Pachyderm

"Naas Mlah" wrote...
    > I am thinking of asking my employer to sponsor me for green card.
    > What are my options/paths?

If you're good:
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/....htm#greencard

If you're hot:
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/...ligibility.htm
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/...igibility2.htm

If you're smooth:
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/howdoi/fiance.htm
(Just kidding)

    > How long would it take and how much will it cost?

In California the entire process takes about 2.5-3 years. This will change
if/when PERM replaces the current labor certification process (search posts
or the web for an explanation of PERM).

It costs $4-7k for a lawyer and several hundred dollars (I think) for fees.
Ideally the employer pays for the entire process, but in this economy it's
not uncommon for the employer to pay for it him/herself. I imagine that the
cost of a lawyer may go down with PERM.

    > When should I start the process?

As soon as possible! Given your TN status you're not in a terrible hurry
like the H1-B folks, but you should get your application in before PERM
comes online this fall.

HTH & HTIC (hope this is correct!)

--
John
[email protected] (remove the pachyderm)
Bumper sticker: "US out of North America!"