proberts

Sorry for the poor wording. It's tougher for those who are not in academia or research.

It's still pretty easy if coming to work in one of the TN occupations with the right educational background.

That's a good question. I've thought various changes over the years would slow the influx of people to the U.S. but they never have and in fact the interest in living and working in the U.S. only continues to grow.

The place of incorporation doesn't matter. We should talk because assessment of E-1 and E-2 visa options requires careful analysis.

Nothing has been announced yet. USCIS indicated that these expanded background checks shouldn't delay the process by much but of course no one knows. Right now, it's just wait and see,

I-130 processing has always been all over the place and can be very slow sometimes, taking 9 or even 12 months.

My understanding is that time outside the U.S. of more than 30 days while in J-1 status is permissible but triggers a SEVIS alert and requires the ISSO to verify in the SEVIS system that you are continuing with your J-1 work while outside. So, you would want to advise the ISSO before you leave the U.S. and get his or her okay.

Yes, that would be fine but you probably would want to apply for a reentry permit when you are in the U.S. to protect your green card in the event you are outside the U.S. longer than expected.

Yes, I am seeing N-400 processing taking longer now. And yes, you can travel internationally while your N-400 is pending.

It's purely based on appointment availability at the particular U.S. Consulate but typically it's very quick to get an L-2 appointment. As an admitted L-2S spouse, you would be work-authorized and wouldn't need an EAD.

As long as your PD is current per the DFF chart in effect, then there's no date by which you must file your I-485. It's different if the Final Action chart were current. In that case, assuming it remained current, you would need to take I-485 or IV steps within one year. Of course, if you return to your current employer, it would need to be a bona fide job in the same/similar position.

The only downsides that I'm aware of are ongoing U.S. tax liability if you move abroad but still want to keep your green card and a potential tax penalty if you give up your green card after having it for at least 7/8 years.

Do you mean getting an immigrant/green card at a U.S. Consulate abroad?

Was the EB1A petition filed with premium processing?

E-3s are super quick and easy so this is definitely the first option to explore. But it requires a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a field related to the job. And being a founder/owner can complicate the process but doesn't automatically mean an E-3 isn't an option. There's no helpful decision matrix. If you'd like, send me your resume and schedule a call and I can tell you which option to pursue.