Hello,

I'm a Canadian citizen, graduating from European school looking to work in the US.

Just to confirm, is H1B the only way to go to avoid the 2 year home rule? I'm not concerned about moonlighting. AND, when must I complete the step 3 to get the H1B? Before the match? before the start-date of the residency program? During the first year?

Does anyone know if it is possible to get H1B or Greencard before graduating? I have also BAH, MBA so I quality for other visa types (ie TN-1) but I think visas are linked with specific employers, and thus sectors.

Lastly, I would love a recommendation to a suitable lawfirm that deals with (cash strapped) medical students dealing with this process. Can anyone please recommend someone?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

S-

Hey, H1b is your best bet for sure, u have to do the step 3 and have results before you apply for your visa (part of the visa requirement), i would think to have your step 3 done by like jan/feb would be a good idea, i just recently went thru allthe stuff you are about too so welcome to email me and ask stuff if u need too. umm i used American Immigration Network - usavisanow.com - U.S. Immigration assistance for H-1B, K-1 and L-1 visas, marriage, labor certification and national interest waiver green cards., mostly because they where cheap, worked out fine for me..
cheers
rav

Hi,

H-1B and J-1 visa are most commonly used by IMGs. However, H-1Bs are subjects to quota each and year. (Check my immigration blog for more details about quota and requirements Immigration Update specifically Info for Doctors and Health Professionals « Immigration Update) And, not all J-1s are subject the two years residence requirement. See my previous posting for another querry. http://www.valuemd.com/immigration-v...r-4months.html

Yes it is possible to obtain or apply for PR (or greencard) status before graduating if you have immediate relatives or a permanent job offer in a different field. Depending on what nationality your are and what work related qualifications you have...processing time are different. You should discuss this with an experienced US immigration attonrey to further explore your options.

I would recommend you to retain the service of an experienced attorney who is an active member of AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association). Be aware of cheap online immigration services/consultants who are not licensed US attorneys. Fraud Alert! « Immigration Update
Many immigration law firms including our firm have payment/installment plans for our clients. Immigration Lawyer What really matters is whether the attorney can is experienced dealing with this types of matters not how cheap it is...because you will pay for it one way or the other.

I hope this helps =)

__________________
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D.Sheen, JD (U.S. Immigration Attorney)

For current immigration news and info please visit my weblog at:
www.immigrationupdate.wordpress.com

website:

www.jdgloballaw.com

Thank you both kindly for your responses - esp. the helpful links. Looks like we will be dealing with this later in the year so I'll have to be making some decisions. Your information will definitely be of assistance. Thanks again, S-