When you signed your contract with BDV, you agreed to work for 12 months for your sponsor. This means: 12 months from date of hire after work authorization (EAD, GC or visa). However, if your green card is still pending, you should stay in an EB-3 Unskilled job until your green card is approved.
Even if your green card arrives first (or during your 12 months), you should still complete your 12-month commitment to your sponsor. Keep in mind that immigration lawyers state it is best practice to work a few months past the receipt of the green card in order to show intent to work.
What happens if I leave my job before 12 months?
See this article answering this question
My Priority Date is not current due to Retrogression. Should I keep working for my sponsor?
See this article for more info on Retrogression and working for your sponsor.
If I have worked one year for my sponsor, and I still have not received my green card, can I stop working there and work a SKILLED job in my own field?
You should not work a skilled job as your main job while your I-485 remains pending. That is because USCIS requires you to have a "same or similar" role as the position on your LC (Labor Certification) while your I-485 is pending. However, you may decide to work a skilled job on the side while you are still working in your EB-3 unskilled job, and that is fine.
The best evidence you can provide USCIS of your intent to work is proof that you are currently working in the unskilled role.
If I have worked one year for my sponsor, and I still have not received my green card, can I stop working there and port to another sponsor in an UNSKILLED job?
See this article for more information on what to do after your one year commitment if your green card is still pending.
If I have worked one year for my sponsor, and I HAVE received my green card, can I stop working there and port to another sponsor in any job?
See this article for more information on what to do after your one year commitment if you have your green card.
Can I be promoted?
See this article for more info on promotions!
Who do I contact when my employment period is complete?
When your one year of work is finished, if you want to terminate your employment, it is important for you to give 2 week's notice to your sponsor before leaving so they can replace you. You can talk to your supervisor or the HR manager.
Please also contact our Client Services team so that we can provide you with porting information if your I-485 is pending. We advise that you not leave your work after 1 year, unless you have another sponsor lined up to port to.
Can I take some time off during my 12 months and return later to "make up" the time I missed?
You should work 12 consecutive months (12 months in a row).
Unskilled jobs in the US usually require 12 consecutive months of work before granting any vacation time. Sponsors should treat BDV clients the same as they treat domestic workers. So allowing time off in the middle of a 12-month commitment is very rare, and your sponsor's policies apply.
Please see these articles for more information about requesting time off: