Collbran, CO Immigration Law Firms & Lawyers

You may be able to change your status (for example, to that of a student--F1), but if your J1 is subject to the two-year residency requirement, changing status would not eliminate that requirement.  Extending your J1 status would be up to your program sponsor.

Your US citizen spouse can file an I-130 petition for you. If you entered the US with a visa, you can apply for adjustment of status at the same time. If not, you should consult an immigration attorney for other options.

More importantly, it will take many years for the I-130 to become current and while an H-1B can have dual intent, it may later affect a B2 Visa. Your sibling should do a PERM. *PERM Labor Certification* A Labor Certification is an application filed by your future employer. Labor Certification is now known as PERM and moves through the system much faster than before. In fact, if everything goes smoothly, after filing the Labor Certification, it could take only 60 days. This is years faster than before. It is an offer of employment that will allow you to work for that employer when you get your Green Card. My office prepares the paperwork and application and then sends it out for signature to you and your employer. We guide both of you through the entire process so that you will never wonder what to do next. Please note that even though the Labor Certification process is much faster, that it is still taking years for the visa number to become current.