Switching Employment After the Green Card

Many immigrants are given an opportunity for employment through a company in the U.S., and are able to receive sponsorship for a green card through their employers. This is all well and good, but what happens after you receive your green card? What happens if you receive another job opportunity while in the United States? Many individuals wonder if their green card is connected to their current employer, preventing them from seeking further employment. Depending on the case, this may not be entirely true. So, when is the appropriate time to seek new employment?

 

Client Reviews

Switching Employment After the Green Card 1

If You Want the Best Result Possible

“Mr. Shusterman and his law firm have represented both me personally and the nonprofit organization that I am associated with. The cases have ranged from the simple to the complex and contentious. Each case has been successfully completed. It is very simple – if you want the best result possible, then select Carl Shusterman.”

- Richard B. Knapp, Chicago, Illinois
Read More Reviews

Zoom Consultations Available!

THE AC21

The process of EB sponsorship may take a few years before an immigrant is able to obtain lawful permanent residence in the United States. Because of this, Congress passed the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (AC21), which provides an advantage for individuals whose application has been delayed. This provision is called “job flexibility for long-delayed applicants for adjustment of status,” and allows an individual to take employment at another business offering the same or a similar job, only after their filed I-485 Application to Adjust Status has been on hold and not acted on by the government for over 180 days.

 

WHAT QUALIFIES AS A JOB IN A SIMILAR FIELD?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) compares the salary rate, the responsibilities of the job, and the Department of Labor (DOL) occupational codes of the two positions, so often having a same or similar job title will not be enough to convince the USCIS that you are completing the same work. It is important to speak with your immigration attorney to determine if a potential new employment opportunity meets the same qualifications as your current position of employment.

As long as the individual secured employment with the host company that sponsored their green card with the intention of working for the company during the time the I-485 was filed, there should be no issue with pursuing work at another company. The process may become more complicated however if you wish to move to another company in a position that is NOT related to your current position, or if you wish to stop working altogether.

 

SO, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE USCIS APPROVES YOUR I-85 APPLICATION?

If the I-485 application was received and approved by the government within the 180 day critical period and you wish to move to another position of employment within a different company, as long as your intention when filing the I-485 was to work for the sponsoring employer there should not be any set time frame or limit for when you are allowed or able to seek new employment. The USCIS may however become suspicious of possible foul play if you quickly switch to a new employer as soon as getting your green card. In either case, talk to your immigration attorney to determine which category you fit into and what the appropriate steps are to secure the most rewarding employment experience for you.

 

HELPFUL INFORMATION: GREEN CARDS THROUGH EMPLOYMENT

 

 

 

FREE NEWSLETTER
Immigration Updates
We promise not to spam you. Unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address

Decades of Immigration Experience Working for You


What Can We Help You With - Videos

Winning Your Case in Immigration Court

Green Cards through Employment

Green Card through Marriage

 

View More Videos