Seen on social media, a question was raised: “My H1B got selected, but I am also married to a US citizen. Should I proceed with the H1B process or continue with applying for a green card through marriage?”
The issue is creating animated debate among our Indian community in the USA. Everyone is considering the advantages of both options while keeping their work and travel possibilities in hand.
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A possible choice is the green card based on marriage, which has a guaranteed route to permanent residence. It is freedom from the shackles of employers and greater longer-term security in the nation.
The green card process, however, may take 10 to 14 months and includes much paperwork and interviews. The travel opportunity remains restricted until the process is well established, usually involving advance parole for traveling outside the nation.
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Conversely, the H1B visa is already in hand, ensuring a predictable job start and more convenient travel possibilities once visa stamping is finished. Its principal disadvantage is that it binds the person to one employer, limiting job changes.
A balancing act can be to try both routes at the same time, retaining all avenues while maintaining legal status and work authorization. The choice is based on individual priorities—whether the quicker work initiation and travel freedom is more valuable than the advantages of long-term certainty and the ability to switch employers.
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