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Hello, I'm currenly in a project based in the US under an L1-B visa.
I have been approved for a company transfer from our Spain to US office, but my company wouldn't sponsor my Green Card application. My L1-B Visa expires on Jun 2012, and my company wouldn't sponsor it either. So essentially, they would move me to their US headcount/payroll, but would not pay for the work permit expenses.
1. If I pursue the transfer, I would need to renew my L1-B visa. My company confirmed that they would take care of any paperwork and supporting documents, but I would have to pay for the costs (application, attorney fees, etc.).
In the US Visa Application Form (DS156), there is a question (#28) asking "Who Will Pay For Your Trip?" In the past, I would always put my company's name in any visa application. And my name if it's a Tourist visa for personal use. How should I interpret this question? Can I still have my company apply for the renewal, but have me pay the costs (via their name), and would not cause any legal issues with US immigrations?Is it even allowed for persons to pay for the costs when it is for a working visa?
2. If I pursue the transfer, how soon can I apply for a Green Card? And how long before it could get approved? After the visa is renewed on Jun 2012, I could only get extended for another 2 years (Jun 2014).
3. Since my company wouldn't sponsor, can I still apply for a Green Card by myself? What are my chances of getting approved or denied? How much usually are the application fees?
I have been approved for a company transfer from our Spain to US office, but my company wouldn't sponsor my Green Card application. My L1-B Visa expires on Jun 2012, and my company wouldn't sponsor it either. So essentially, they would move me to their US headcount/payroll, but would not pay for the work permit expenses.
1. If I pursue the transfer, I would need to renew my L1-B visa. My company confirmed that they would take care of any paperwork and supporting documents, but I would have to pay for the costs (application, attorney fees, etc.).
In the US Visa Application Form (DS156), there is a question (#28) asking "Who Will Pay For Your Trip?" In the past, I would always put my company's name in any visa application. And my name if it's a Tourist visa for personal use. How should I interpret this question? Can I still have my company apply for the renewal, but have me pay the costs (via their name), and would not cause any legal issues with US immigrations?Is it even allowed for persons to pay for the costs when it is for a working visa?
2. If I pursue the transfer, how soon can I apply for a Green Card? And how long before it could get approved? After the visa is renewed on Jun 2012, I could only get extended for another 2 years (Jun 2014).
3. Since my company wouldn't sponsor, can I still apply for a Green Card by myself? What are my chances of getting approved or denied? How much usually are the application fees?
