Ling_Noi

Another year, another employer.

I've kicked-off initial discussions with my US employer here in Canada with the hope that I can finally move south of the border an go through the Green Card process.

During interviews, I asked about sponsorship and they said that coming down on a TN or L1B is no problem. They've also confirmed that they are willing to sponsor a GC via the EB tracks.

I wanted to sell them on going direct to EB2/3 and wait here in Canada to prevent waiting for the L1B (9 more months before I qualify) or the fraught TN with it being non-dual-intent visa.

So my questions are:

- Can I assume that my employer will save money by going straight to EB2/3 skipping other work visas?
- I don't hold a masters degree but I have 10 years experience and my BSc so will applying for EB3 rather than EB2 cause any delay?
- Are there any issues working for a foreign subsidiary and then applying for a job at the parent company as part of the EB process?

scrubbedexpat099

Lawyers fees are the biggest element, many Employers are reluctant to sponsor a GC immediately for obvious reasons.

Something to discuss with your Employer/Lawyer.

None I can think of.

Ling_Noi

Right. I'll have to convince them that I will hand around. Although they'll probably lose me if they don't do this.

petitefrancaise

The employees that get green cards sooner have a good track record, they've proven that they will hang around by being being around. I suggest a little more patience.

Ling_Noi

I don't want to make it sound like I'm moving around alot. I was at my last employer for three years and they kept stringing me along for a work visa nevermind a Green Card.

I work in tech which is facing a chronic work shortage. You'd think they'd be more cooperative.

christmasoompa

I'd think that's actually a reason for them not to sponsor your green card - they pay out thousands to do so, then you could be poached to work elsewhere!

A L1 is likely to be quicker anyway even with the 9 months before you're eligible, maybe you could ask them to do both?

petitefrancaise

Peeps on here know that my work is relocating employees into Austin...tech employees.
Relocating someone is a big cost and of course they will want to know that you will stick around. I can't remember anyone getting EB route authorized and not L1a or L1b first, not even the most senior exec.
Do you have a particular need to get to GC quickly?
Our GC process was started immediately upon arrival with L1a at our request because our daughter was less than 2 years away from going to college and permanent residency is better to have at that point. My ex-husband had worked with the company for 19 years and so for them it was an easy ask. He's still there...

Ling_Noi

Great point. I have no plan of moving on because this is a fully remote company and that's a massive plus.

The TN is the fastest route but it's I don't want to get into a situation were I have to bounce back into Canada. I'm not 100% sure that I can live in a different state than my employer on the L visa.

I'm just wary of making an international move on a temporary visa and the possibility of the employer baiting and switching me on the Green Card. My wife would be enrolling in nursing school so the GC would save money if I'm not mistaken.

scrubbedexpat099

Why do you need a GC to work remote?

Ling_Noi

I remember reading that you need to be located in the same town as your employer. This might be just for H1-B. TN doesn't have this restriction. Not sure about L.

scrubbedexpat099

I am not aware of that requirement.

Just wondering why an Employer would sponsor an employee to immigrate to the US to work remote?

Ling_Noi

They want me on the West coast but you're right I could work from BC or Alberta so it's more my want than company need.

tht

No idea of the OP’s industry, but I know of examples of this requirement. Often it’s for government contracts, either for security or purchasing rules. So if that employees skills are needed they need to be moved to the US.

scrubbedexpat099

Sounds like it will be down to how strong your position in the company is. GC or I leave?

scrubbedexpat099

Does not seem the case here.