Moving Forward

2012 is going to bring significant changes to my life. And my visa status. One way or another things will change. I think I'm finally at a point where I can talk about it openly, even though it is so private, but I realize I will need positive thoughts, prayers and hugs moving forward.

Here's a brief run-down on United States immigration policies: Currently, I am a non-resident alien. Yep, that's me. Since I came to the US, I have been on a J-1 (exchange student), F-1 (degree-seeking student) and H-1B (work) visa. All of these are considered non-immigrant visas, which means you cannot apply to be a US citizen while you are on them. My current H-1B visa will expire on May 31, 2012 and cannot be renewed. I have maxed out on the allowable years on this visa. So, unless some major things fall into place, I will then have 24 hours to leave the country.

You're with me now, aren't you?

Come June 1, I have the following choices:

• Apply for a job that might sponsor me for permanent residency (also called a Green Card. This gives the holder all rights and privileges as a citizen, except the right to vote. Sponsorship is expensive and cumbersome for employers, and not guaranteed approval by DCIS.)
• Change back to a student visa (and go to PhD school)
• Get married (and be sponsored to permanent residency that way. An immigrant cannot sponsor themselves for a Green Card. It has to be a husband or employer).
• Move to another country.

Moving forward, I am going to live like I have choices. And then I am going to make these choices happen.

And I appreciate your prayers and thoughts along the way.

<3