Background
When our client, a powerhouse in international private health insurance across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada, needed help to onboard one of their employees to a more permanent role, they reached out to us. We had worked with these clients on H-1B visas for many of their employees before. They wanted their current Chief People Officer, Austin, to continue keeping their 100,000 members satisfied with access to healthcare in a new role. Austin was the go-to person for analytics, algorithm design, and insight-rich dashboards. More than just building tools, he was guiding the leadership team through a data transformation. Our client wanted Austin to become their new Chief Data Officer, and this position relied on machine learning and predictive models to reduce inefficiencies, anticipate member needs, and cut costs. Naturally, the executive team wanted him to stay permanently to help weave machine-learning strategies into every corner of the business.
Case
At the time, Austin was employed in the United States under an E-3 visa, which is a nonimmigrant visa designated for Australian professionals. Even though Austin was okay to work with an E-3 visa, he had to constantly review it, and it wasn’t permanent. Recognizing this challenge, our client wanted long-term stability for Austin, and more importantly, the data transformation he was spearheading. They wanted a solution that allows him to thrive without worrying about visa renewals or interruptions.
Our team stepped in, and in order to pursue the transition from an E3 visa to permanent residency, we had to switch Austin over to an EB-2 visa and start the PERM Labor Certification process. This is often the first step toward obtaining U.S. permanent residency for skilled professionals. To satisfy the EB-2 requirements, we put together a package that included:
- Signed letters and audited statements showing the payroll for 100+ employees and the preferred wage for the Chief Data Officer role
- Educational requirements in the field of Machine learning and business analytics/Academic evaluations
- ETA Form 9089
- Certificates and a list of accomplishments
- List of duties and how his role directly impacted company growth, efficiency and patient satisfaction
Verdict
Within 12 days of USCIS receiving the I-140, they approved the petition. There were no Request for Evidence (RFE), or delays, and this paved the way for Austin to apply for his adjustment of status to obtain his green card!
How VisaNation Helped
Our client can now plan multi-year data initiatives without worrying whether their Chief Data Officer might be forced to pause, renew, or relocate. We timed Austin’s final E-3 renewal to start the PERM process, ensuring he was always within lawful status. Instead of simply submitting documents, we explained to USCIS how Austin’s credentials with his education evolved into a machine-learning leader who saves the company millions through predictive analytics. By being quick, we filed the petition in record time, saving weeks off the standard timeline. Finally, our client’s employee is no longer limited by temporary visas or expiration dates. They can focus on what matters, which is delivering exceptional healthcare experiences backed by data.
Contact Us
Are you thinking of upgrading a key team member from a temporary visa status to a green card? Our team provides end-to-end strategies that keep talent anchored and innovation moving. Reach out to VisaNation today for a free case assessment!