I am looking for opportunities using the remainder option of my H-1B. I have a year and half remaining out of six years.
Now, most of the companies do not want to start the GC process immediately; they want to start after 6-12 months.
I have the following two questions:
1. What stage do I need to reach on my GC process when the remaining time on H-1B ends.
2. If my company doesn't want to start GC process immediately, can I begin this on my own using my personal fund?
See clip from Attorney Rajiv S. Khanna's conference call video that addresses this question.
https://youtu.be/3Heaadpk1Ik?t=273
FAQ Transcript:
There are only two ways to extend your H-1B beyond six years. One is that you have I-140 approved. So PERM is approved, your I-140 is approved and if you are an EB-1 person then your I-140 is approved (NIW EB-1). So if your I-140 is approved, we don't care when your Green Card started, whether its PERM based or direct filing of EB-1, you are entitled to your H-1 extension.
The other method is your PERM was filed a year ago or your I-140 and NIW. In the case of first anniversary you will be entitled to 1 year H-1 extension, in case of I-140 approval you will be entitled to 3 year H-1 extension.