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I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney, who does work for YC and startups. AMA

201 points proberts | 5 comments | 16 May 25 15:05 UTC | HN request time: 0.655s | source

I'll be here for the next 5-6 hours. As usual, there are countless topics given the rapidly changing immigration landscape and I'll be guided by whatever you're concerned with. Please remember that I can't provide legal advice on specific cases because I won't have access to all the facts. Please stick to a factual discussion in your questions and I'll try to do the same in my answers.

Edit: I am taking a break now and will return later this afternoon/evening to respond to any comments and answer any questions. Thank you everyone for a great and engaged AMA so far.

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blackhaj7 ◴[16 May 25 15:30 UTC] No.44006668[source]▶
Thanks for this Peter!

I am on an L1-B and part way through the green card process via PERM Labour Cert (application was submitted in Jan)

What are my options if I was laid off/company went under/perm cert rejected?

How long are the Perm labor cert applications you are doing taking (from start till the green card being issued)?

replies(1): >>44006749 #
1. proberts ◴[16 May 25 15:38 UTC] No.44006749[source]▶
Unfortunately, if you get laid off while in L-1B status before you are able to file an I-485 application, which is the last step in the green card process, you would need get no benefit from the PERM/green card process and would need to take an action within 60 days of the end of your employment to be able to remain in the U.S., by filing some type of application with USCIS. PERM processing is still really slow, over a year, but I'm seeing some indications that this might improve.
replies(3): >>44007085 #>>44009252 #>>44011607 #
2. AnotherGoodName ◴[16 May 25 16:07 UTC] No.44007085[source]▶
>before you are able to file an I-485 application

qq and i'm double checking what my own immigration lawyer has already told me just because i'm nervous on this point. Is filing the i-485 the point at which you can stay?

I've filed an i-485 via US spouse and waiting to hear back but the 60day period is looming and obviously nervous on this point.

replies(1): >>44008281 #
3. proberts ◴[16 May 25 18:08 UTC] No.44008281[source]▶
The filing of your I-485 application allows you to stay and still marriage-based green card applications are being approved quickly.
4. blackhaj7 ◴[16 May 25 19:58 UTC] No.44009252[source]▶
Thanks Peter!
5. sriamanan ◴[17 May 25 02:34 UTC] No.44011607[source]▶
I am on L-1A with an approved I-140 in EB1c. My priority date is not current yet. What are the options if they were laid off.