leehindmarch

Hi guys,

I will be moving to Chicago on an L1-A visa shortly and I would like to convince my employer to proceed with the GC asap. Any advice on how to have this conversation?

I have been with the company for 4 years, in the UK and Australia. I would like the security that the GC offers as if my employment is terminated for any reason I believe I would need to leave the country.

Has anyone approached this topic with their employer with success? I know my company offer this but the 'conditions' appear a bit grey...

Thanks
Lee

MsElui

would last longer than the 7 years the visa and renewals lasts.
cost would be offset by less renewal costs (incl possible trip back home for visa stamp)

rpjs

Is it the company that wants you to transfer? If so, tell them that you won't go unless they agree in writing to sponsor you.

rebs

The cost of repatriation could be considerably more than the cost of green card processing.

Once you have a green card, the company can fire you without the cost of repatriation.

H Bomb

You just eluded to something I was not aware of.

When our L1A/L2 is up for renewal - do we have to travel back to the UK to do it? I always assumed it could be done in the USA.

Bob

Before you signed the contract and they got the L1 visa.

Bob

You can renew the status. You need to leave the US to get the actual visa though, so could go to Canada or Mexico if you preferred, but without the visa you would be landlocked.

N1cky

There is no legal requirement for the company to repatriate you when you're on an L visa.

rebs

Ah, didn't know that Our repatriation must have just been part of their usual policy, rather than a legal requirement - certainly cost the company a fair amount of money.

N1cky

Didn't you know that you were only here for a certain period, before you came? Was it a 2 year deal or something? I think then it's usual to have all the costs paid.

Even when you come out here on a H, I believe the legal requirement is only to repat the H visa holder, not their family too.

Sally Redux

I believe that's correct. Someone who works for my husband was going to do that, and they only bought one ticket for him.

They don't have to pay for the renewal either.

rebs

Yes, that is true - it was a 2 year assignment, and the company policy for expat assignments applied.

N1cky

We were pleasantly surprised to get the cost of a business class one way flight, for hubby, paid as part of his settlement.

Icklerichie

Hi. Good luck with the move! I went out to San Diego in 2008 on a L1-b visa, it is valid for 3 years & then you can get an extension for two. After that you have to leave the US for at least 12 months before re-applying (not sure if your visa is different).

When I was there I kept on asking about a Green Card & after a few years they agreed. So currently back in the UK but been back for 15 months. Hopefully only another 2 months away from the embassy interview. So long story short, I would get the process started ASAP if you can!!

Cheers
Rich

scrubbedexpat027

1) Be so good at your job that the company comes to rely on you.
2) Indicate that in order to stay you need to feel secure by getting a GC.

The rest is just sugar coating the delivery of your intention. Every boss is different, so will require a different approach.

My bosses were great, and 6 months in agreed to get the ball rolling. If they hadn't have been, then I wouldn't want to be working for them anyway.