from TN to Green Card

Hello,
I've been working in US under TN visa since 2008. I bought a house here and interested in getting the Green Card. I checked with the lawyer of the company, he informed me that he can not start the process because he has to proof to the employment department that he did not find someone here who can do the job, thing hard to proof with the high the unemployment rate in the US.

I don't feel comfortable working under TN because I don't feel stable in my life.

my question : is there another path I can follow by my self to get the green card.

thx

Has the company tried to sponsor you for an H1B? If you were to meet the quota, the transition would be easier for you to get a green card.

I would only risk buying a home on a TN providing I have enough money saved for a rainy day.

if they accept to sponsor, how long will it take from day zero to having GC on hand.

I bought the house to benefit from the recovery on housing market even if I don't have enough money to risk

This is the post you need to read on how to do this from TN:

http://www.grasmick.com/board/?topic=topic1&msg=39260

Note: You need to be careful about what category you file PERM/I-140 for. If you're EB-2, you should be able to get your green card quickly (probably in around a year). If you are EB-3, you'll be looking at close to an 8 year backlog, so expect that it will take about 8 years to get your green card.

if any of the above does not make sense, consult with an immigration lawyer.

Also depends on country of birth too. On EB2, Indian and Chinese born are looking at least 5 years or so to get a green card.

I was informed last week by the company that it will sponsor me for H1B visa.
As I have a 3 years TN visa that will expire end 2012, I am thinking to start the Green card process, so what r the steps to follow. I know that I will need a lawyer for that, but I prefer first to have an idea where I am heading to.

thanks

That's great that they will sponsor your H1B.

But has the company agreed to also sponsor your GC as well? Or is this the step you'd like to take for yourself?

Because you can't sponsor your own GC.

Just an FYI because you don't want to get too ahead of yourself.

The seminal post for TN to GC process is:

http://forums.immigration.com/showthrea ... post984692

While it may be helpful to be on H1, do NOT let your employer delay your GC process by waiting for H1. H1 is not necessary. If they are serious, they need to be filing PERM, I-140, I-485 etc NOW, not waiting until H1 approval -- if that ever comes.