Q: If I hire my own attorney, would I still be req'd to work for my employer-sponsor (for employment-based GC application)?
The immigration attorneys at my company are currently waiting for my job posting phase to close out (already got labor cert), so my I-485 has not yet been filed. If I leave my employer before the I-485 is filed and find another employer-sponsor, would there be repercussions to my green card application process? If I hire my own attorney, would that release me from my responsibilities to my current sponsor?
A:
Big repercussions. You cannot "port" a PR case until you have filed I-485 and it's been pending 180 days.
As far as your "responsibilities," they are bringing you to permanent residence, so either you are with them or you aren't. Having your own attorney will allow you to explore other options, whatever they may be, but it doesn't automatically find you a new way to the finish line of your pending PR case. Good luck!
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