TN-1 to Permanent Residency

[cyt_cdn]

Hello there. I am new to the forums and have a question regarding the TN-1 Visa and permanent residency status. I am a Canadian Citizen and have been on a TN-1 Visa to work in the U.S. since 2001. I would like to know what the various routes are to apply to become a permanent resident of the U.S. Is it a fairly easy process? Are there any potential disadvantages to applying for permanent residency when still on a TN-1 Visa? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

cyt_cdn

[go_guy123]

Originally Posted by cyt_cdn

Hello there. I am new to the forums and have a question regarding the TN-1 Visa and permanent residency status. I am a Canadian Citizen and have been on a TN-1 Visa to work in the U.S. since 2001. I would like to know what the various routes are to apply to become a permanent resident of the U.S. Is it a fairly easy process? Are there any potential disadvantages to applying for permanent residency when still on a TN-1 Visa? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

cyt_cdn

What is your birth country. TN1 to GC is possible now but feasible only for ROW.

[cyt_cdn]

Thanks very much for your response. My country of birth is Singapore. Pardon my ignorance, but what does ROW stand for?

cyt_cdn

[chtummala]

rest of the world ( other than India, china ,mexico,philipins )

[go_guy123]

Originally Posted by cyt_cdn

Thanks very much for your response. My country of birth is Singapore. Pardon my ignorance, but what does ROW stand for?

cyt_cdn

Now TN1 is issued for 3 years so you dont need renewal every year. However TN1 is
for non immigrant intent status like B1/B2. Note: People have trouble getting TN1 at POE if they have a US Citizen spouse because of this reason.

Just like people can come come in on B2 visa and marry a USC and get GC. You can also get GC from TN1. The issue is that of renewal.

So once you file for GC it is hard to get TN1 renewed. Being from ROW, if you apply in EB2then the wait time is less and you get it all done in about 2 years or so before TN1 expires.

Best is to talk to a lawyer but I feel it is possible. Joe Grasmick (my TN1 legal consultant @ Buffalo) says possible...but get a secondary opinion

[cyt_cdn]

Appreciate the detailed response G Guy. My TN Visa expires in March 2014 so I will probably wait to apply for GC until after I renew my TN Visa next year. I will heed your advice and consult an immigration lawyer over here. Would you recommend any links/sites that outlines the GC application process so that I can be familiar with the process?

cyt_cdn

[go_guy123]

Originally Posted by cyt_cdn

Appreciate the detailed response G Guy. My TN Visa expires in March 2014 so I will probably wait to apply for GC until after I renew my TN Visa next year. I will heed your advice and consult an immigration lawyer over here. Would you recommend any links/sites that outlines the GC application process so that I can be familiar with the process?

cyt_cdn

Just go over postings in this forum. or search online.
Here are basic steps

1) File PERM - Labor certification
2) I-140 (for EB2 if you have masters or 5 years experience)...EB3 wont do because of reasons mentioned before.
3) When visa is available (Usually current for EB2 ROW) apply for I485.

For more information you can buy and read
Grasmick's TN Handbook for Canadians---Information Page

It costs 225$
It has chapters on TN1 to GC.

However his consulting charges are on higher side.