An Aussie Chief Data Officer Says G’day to Permanent Residency
Background
When a leading provider of international private health insurance across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada needed immigration assistance to retain one of their top executives, they turned to Green Card Link. Our immigration attorneys at Green Card Link had previously supported the company in securing H-1B visas for many of their employees. This time, the client sought a more permanent solution for their Chief People Officer, who played a vital role in ensuring over 100,000 members had reliable access to healthcare.
This executive was far more than a leader in people management—he was the organization’s driving force in analytics, algorithm development, and insight-driven dashboards. Beyond building digital tools, he guided the leadership team through a transformative data strategy that reshaped operations. The company wanted to promote him to Chief Data Officer, a position that would embed machine learning and predictive modeling into every aspect of the business. These advanced strategies were critical to cutting costs, anticipating member needs, and reducing inefficiencies. Naturally, the executive team wanted him to remain in the United States permanently to continue leading this data-driven transformation.
Case
At the time, this executive held an E-3 visa, a nonimmigrant visa category available only to Australian professionals. While the E-3 visa allowed him to work in the U.S., it required constant renewals and lacked permanence. The company recognized the limitations of this arrangement and wanted long-term stability—not only for the executive’s career but also for the groundbreaking transformation he was leading.
Green Card Link stepped in to identify the best path forward. Our immigration attorneys at Green Card Link recommended transitioning him from an E-3 visa to permanent residency through the EB-2 visa category, supported by the PERM Labor Certification process. This process is often the first step for highly skilled professionals to secure a green card in the United States.
To build a strong case for EB-2 eligibility, we assembled a comprehensive application package that included:
- Signed employer letters and audited payroll records for more than 100 employees, along with prevailing wage documentation for the Chief Data Officer role.
- Documentation of the educational requirements in machine learning and business analytics, supported by academic evaluations.
- A certified ETA Form 9089 to satisfy Department of Labor requirements.
- Professional certificates and a detailed record of accomplishments.
- A carefully crafted description of job duties showing how his leadership directly advanced company growth, operational efficiency, and patient satisfaction.
Through strategic planning and diligent preparation, our immigration attorneys at Green Card Link helped the company move this critical executive toward permanent residency, ensuring the continuity of their data-driven vision and long-term success in the U.S. market.
Rewritten Content
Verdict
Within just 12 days of USCIS receiving the I-140 petition, approval was granted. The case was processed without any Request for Evidence (RFE) or delays, creating a clear path for the applicant to move forward with an adjustment of status and secure permanent residency in the United States.
EB-2 Approval
How Green Card Link Helped
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys developed a tailored strategy to ensure success. By aligning the applicant’s final E-3 renewal with the start of the PERM process, we kept him continuously in lawful status while avoiding unnecessary risks. More importantly, we went beyond simply filing paperwork—our immigration attorneys at Green Card Link highlighted how the applicant’s advanced education and professional background had evolved into leadership in machine learning, a field where his innovations save millions through predictive analytics.
Our swift preparation and filing shaved weeks off the standard timeline, helping the client’s employer retain critical talent without interruptions. Today, their Chief Data Officer is free from the constraints of temporary visas and expiration dates, allowing him to fully dedicate his expertise to advancing healthcare innovation powered by data.
E-3 Visa to Permanent Residency Timeline
Contact Us
Are you considering transitioning a valued employee from a temporary visa to a green card? At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys provide end-to-end solutions designed to retain top talent and fuel innovation. Contact Green Card Link today for a free case assessment and learn how we can help secure permanent residency for your key team members.