I’m from Greece and currently living in Arkansas on a valid work visa. I’ve been here for about three years now, and I’ve built a stable life — I have a steady job, an apartment lease, and I’ve even started volunteering in my community. My visa will expire in a few months, and my employer is willing to extend or possibly sponsor me for permanent residency. However, I’m not sure how the sponsorship process works or if I can stay in the U.S. legally while it’s being processed. What should I do next to maintain my status?

Question

Zubair Qureshi · Accepted Answer

If your employer is ready to sponsor you, that’s an excellent opportunity to transition from temporary to permanent status.

Sibongile Mthembu · Answer

Your employer will typically begin by filing a PERM labor certification and then a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. Once that’s approved and your priority date becomes current, you may apply for adjustment of status using Form I-485, allowing you to stay in the U.S. legally during processing. Timing is key, so start early.

Kazuo Tanaka · Answer

You should consult with an immigration attorney to confirm eligibility and ensure that your paperwork is submitted correctly and promptly.

Tariq Stavridis

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