Hi Peter, thanks for doing another AMA! I've been on an O-1A visa for over 6 years (from the UK), I currently half way through a 2 year extension and starting work on by EB-1 now. Have you noticed a significant change in adjudication, processing times or anything else of note in the area? What parts of the petition do you find get most scrutiny / are most important?
I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
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Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#212Earlier quoted context omitted.
That's a great question. I really don't know but I'd be interested to hear back from others. I know that early on in the current administration, Canada seemed to go out of its way to attract talent and investments.
I've been tracking the Australian and Canadian systems for the last ~10 years, and it seems they keep learning from each other and making adjusts accordingly. Both countries use a points-based immigration system[0], so there's much more flexibility in adjusting for specific skill shortages or regional areas. [0]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Points-based_immigration_syste...
I'm Canadian and my friend got PR within 3 months because of the points system (Masters, fluent English ability etc.)
In comparison when I sponsored my wife for PR in Canada it took about 13 months.
I'm now going through the Green card process in the US employer sponsored and it looks like it will take 2 years.
Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#213What happens to a GC application that's waiting for priority date if I leave the country for a few years? Similarly, what happens to the H1B that's based on the GC petition. Would that still be valid/renewable?
The facts matter here but it's possible for a green card application to continue under these circumstances and for an H-1B to remain valid under these circumstances.
Thanks Peter.
Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#214I moved to Canada after 3 years into my H1B. I don't have I-140.
If I want to go back and work in US, will I be subjected to the quota ?
Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#215Hi Peter,
I've been applying for a simple tourist visa for the US (I am European but dont qualify for ESTA due to a previous trip to Iran) and my visa has been in process for 15 months now without an answer. What can I do?
Best, David
Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#216Hi Peter, I've been applying for a simple tourist visa for the US (I am European but dont qualify for ESTA due to a previous trip to Iran) and my visa has been in process for 15 months now without an answer. What can I do? Best, David
You may want to specify which country's US embassy you've applied through.
Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#217Are you familiar with immigration to countries other than the US? I have been working in this country as a web developer for the past 2 1/2 years now; I have American and Hong Kong citizenship. (I would be willing to renounce one of them). I was thinking of eventually working in New Zealand or Japan and possibly settling down there as well. I was wondering how difficult it would be to secure employment in my field there and to get a work visa and/or citizenship eventually. Do you know of any other countries where this process would be easier than average?
Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#218The truth is the US was never welcoming to foreign-born entrepreneurs, and matters have only gone worse in recent times. If you are from a country like India, your only real chance is somehow to get a VC funding.
Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#219Earlier quoted context omitted.
I got the point now. Updated the correct question to my father. I will make sure he gets in touch with attorney next week over this. However, would you please advise on how long it would take for me to get my GC, in your fair estimate? An approximation would do. Also, any political change that might affect my application? I am born and brought up in India. 30 years of age. Bachelors of Engineering degree with 3 years…
2022/2023
Million thanks for this, Peter :)
Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA
#220Are you familiar with immigration to countries other than the US? I have been working in this country as a web developer for the past 2 1/2 years now; I have American and Hong Kong citizenship. (I would be willing to renounce one of them). I was thinking of eventually working in New Zealand or Japan and possibly settling down there as well. I was wondering how difficult it would be to secure employment in my field th…
I have obtained permanent residency in Australia, close to obtaining one in Canada and now a GC in US. I know friends in NZ. Aus, Canada, NZ are great countries for skilled immigration. They generally have a fair and open process. Cana da is the most impressive. Honestly if US didn't pay so much more than Canada & Aus, I'd have stayed there.