Earlier quoted context omitted.
Would you mind sharing which country are you working and what are the visa restrictions, if any?
geekam - I don't see any contact info in your profile; email me if you want to chat re: visa stuff. gettingoutofamerica.com can be helpful as well. I actually have meant to start my own repository of immigration information at pond-crosser.com but haven't gotten around to really getting it up and running.
Sorry, I just saw your response. It is tough on HN to follow up.
Email me at geekamja@gmail.com. I am not a US citizen though, I just work here on a visa. However, the whole process of Permanent residency is so long and slavish.